Responsible AI infrastructure

Building with purpose

Alberta's government is supporting data centre investment while protecting grid reliability, water resources, the environment and local communities. Projects must meet municipal, environmental, utility and safety requirements before they can proceed.

Environmental and community impacts

Projects may be subject to environmental, water, land-use and safety reviews, depending on their size and location. Developers must also address impact on the local community.

Noise

Lighting

Traffic

Site design

Companies are responsible for project-related costs, helping protect affordability for households and businesses.

Protecting affordability

Data centre projects are reviewed before they can connect to Alberta's electricity system to assess reliability and infrastructure needs. Larger projects are asked to bring their own power or add new electricity generation.

Managing water use

Many modern AI data centres can operate with little or no ongoing fresh water use, sometimes using recycled water or treated wastewater. All projects must meet Alberta's water approval requirements.

Municipalities and regulators can impose conditions, require changes or refuse projects that do not meet applicable standards.

Public accountability

Data centre projects are subject to established planning and approval processes. This helps ensure development supports economic growth while protecting communities, the environment and essential services.