Meta has unveiled plans for a massive data centre in Sturgeon County, Alberta, its first in Canada, with a focus on reducing water consumption. The tech giant aims to cut water use by 40% compared to conventional data centres through innovative cooling technologies.
Water-Saving Technologies
The facility will employ air-side economization and a closed-loop water system that recycles water multiple times before disposal. Meta stated that the design will use 100% recycled water for cooling during peak summer months, significantly lowering the strain on local water resources.
According to Meta's sustainability report, the data centre will have a power usage effectiveness (PUE) target of 1.10, indicating high energy efficiency. The company also plans to offset its water usage through community watershed restoration projects.
Economic and Environmental Impact
The $13 billion investment is expected to create 1,000 construction jobs and 200 permanent positions once operational. Sturgeon County officials welcomed the project, noting it will diversify the local economy. However, environmental groups have raised concerns about the facility's energy demands, which could strain Alberta's power grid.
Meta has committed to powering the data centre with 100% renewable energy, signing agreements with local wind and solar farms. The company also plans to invest in carbon offsets to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030.
Industry Context
The announcement comes as Canada's data centre capacity is projected to soar to 20 GW in planned projects, according to a government document. Meta's facility is part of a broader trend of tech giants expanding in Canada due to its cool climate and access to renewable energy.
"We are committed to building a sustainable data centre that minimizes environmental impact while supporting the digital economy," said a Meta spokesperson. "Our water-saving measures are a key part of that commitment."
