Celebrity investor Kevin O’Leary has unveiled plans to fund and develop what he claims will be the world’s largest artificial intelligence data center. Dubbed Wonder Valley, the project is set to be built in the Municipal District of Greenview near Grande Prairie, Alberta.
The proposed high-tech hub will feature facilities designed to store and process vast amounts of digital information. According to a news release, the project’s total investment over its lifetime will exceed $70 billion, making it one of the largest technology ventures ever proposed in Canada.
The Municipal District of Greenview has partnered with O’Leary Ventures, a venture capital firm described as a “generalist investment platform,” to power the phased project. The district has committed to building the off-grid natural gas and geothermal energy infrastructure needed to supply power to the data center as it develops.
Land Acquisition and Intent to Build
O’Leary Ventures and the district have formalized their collaboration through a letter of intent, agreeing to purchase and develop thousands of acres within the Greenview Industrial Gateway. The area has been identified as a strategic site for its proximity to urban centers and the availability of physical space to construct the extensive infrastructure required for such a large-scale initiative.
In an interview with CBC News, O’Leary acknowledged the skepticism surrounding the project but emphasized transparency throughout its development.
“I think people should be very skeptical, and they should just watch,” O’Leary said. “We have many mountains to climb here, but we’re in a competition. We have to convince the world that Alberta’s the best place to put your data center for a lot of reasons. And if you can find something better? Show it to me.”
Government and Local Support
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith expressed her enthusiasm for the project in a statement released Monday.
“This is fantastic news,” Smith said. “Our efforts to attract investment, grow our technology and innovation sector, and leverage our natural and human resources are being noticed. I’m excited to watch this project unfold in the months and years to come.”
Tyler Olsen, reeve of the Municipal District of Greenview, said the district has been preparing for a project of this scale for years. Speaking on CBC’s Edmonton AM, Olsen detailed the groundwork already completed.
“Over the past three to four years, we’ve built a road into this area, we’ve acquired the land from the province, and we’ve started water licensing to get the water there,” Olsen said.
Olsen also highlighted the suitability of the location, noting the district’s abundance of natural gas and robust drilling programs. These resources, combined with Alberta’s naturally cooler climate, make the site ideal for the project.
“Cooling is a big issue for these data centers because they generate a lot of heat,” Olsen explained. “Water is often used for cooling, but with our cooler temperatures, less water will be needed, which is a significant advantage.”
Wonder Valley Project Phases and Goals
The first phase of Wonder Valley will cost an estimated $2 billion USD and is expected to generate 1.4 gigawatts of power. Subsequent phases will roll out in one-gigawatt increments. The project aims to position Alberta as a global leader in artificial intelligence and data processing infrastructure, with O’Leary emphasizing the importance of the province’s natural and logistical advantages.
“The site is perfect,” O’Leary said, citing its proximity to Grande Prairie and its ability to accommodate the necessary infrastructure.
The project represents a significant opportunity for Alberta to grow its technology and innovation sectors while capitalizing on its natural resources and geographic advantages. As Wonder Valley progresses, it promises to draw attention to the province as a competitive hub for cutting-edge technology development.
Job Creation and Economic Opportunities
The Wonder Valley AI Data Centre Industrial Park is expected to generate a substantial number of jobs, with employment opportunities spanning both the construction and operational phases of the $70 billion project. While specific figures have not been officially disclosed, estimates based on comparable projects and available details provide insight into the potential scale of job creation.
Construction Phase
During the construction phase alone, the project is projected to create between 2,000 and 5,000 jobs. This estimate aligns with the scale of a large-scale industrial project like Wonder Valley, which requires extensive infrastructure development, including roads, data center facilities, and power generation systems. These jobs are expected to encompass a range of skilled trades, engineering, and project management roles.
Long-term Employment
Once operational, Wonder Valley is anticipated to support 3,000 to 5,000 long-term jobs across several sectors:
- Technology Sector: The data center will create hundreds, potentially over a thousand roles, in AI development, data processing, and operations, making it a hub for Alberta’s growing tech industry.
- Energy Sector: Several hundred jobs will likely be tied to the management of the project’s off-grid natural gas and geothermal power generation systems.
- Support Industries: Ancillary services, including maintenance, security, and local businesses that provide ongoing support to the facility, are expected to add another 1,000 to 2,000 jobs to the region.
Total Employment Impact
In total, the Wonder Valley project is estimated to create between 5,000 and 10,000 jobs over its construction and operational phases. As the project scales up to its full 7.5-gigawatt capacity over the next 5 to 10 years, these numbers could grow further, cementing its role as a major economic driver in the Municipal District of Greenview and beyond.
