Alberta wants to build huge data centres for AI. That could bring a big emissions challenge

play a crucial role in mitigating the emissions impact of data centres powered by natural gas. Carbon capture and storage involves capturing carbon dioxide emissions from industrial processes, including power generation, and storing it underground to prevent it from entering the atmosphere.

Alberta has been a leader in carbon capture and storage technology, with several projects already operational in the province. Minister Glubish highlighted the potential for data centre operators to implement carbon capture technology to achieve net-zero natural gas power generation.

While the cost of carbon capture technology has been a deterrent in the past, Minister Glubish emphasized that it is a viable option for achieving net-zero emissions from data centres. He pointed to the high cost of alternative power sources like nuclear and hydroelectricity, making natural gas with carbon capture a more cost-effective solution for data centre operators.

The push for artificial intelligence data centres in Alberta comes at a time when the province is focused on reducing its overall emissions and transitioning to a cleaner energy grid. The potential economic benefits of attracting $100 billion worth of data centre infrastructure must be balanced with the environmental impact of increased power consumption and emissions.

As more data centre projects take shape in Alberta, it will be crucial for operators to prioritize sustainability and work towards decarbonizing their operations. The province’s commitment to achieving a net-zero electricity grid by 2050 will require innovative solutions and collaboration between government, industry, and technology experts to ensure that data centres can operate in an environmentally responsible manner.

With the potential for significant economic growth and technological advancement, Alberta’s ambitious plans for artificial intelligence data centres have the opportunity to position the province as a global leader in the digital economy. By embracing clean energy solutions and carbon capture technology, Alberta can harness the power of artificial intelligence while also protecting the environment for future generations.