Alberta hopes to position itself as a global hub for artificial-intelligence infrastructure with the announcement of the ambitious Wonder Valley project, which promises off-grid, low-carbon power to fuel a massive data-centre campus. According to a report in The Albertan, the development will be powered by a blend of natural gas and geothermal energy and is designed to tap into Alberta’s abundant energy and water reserves.
The project, earmarked for the region of the Greenview Industrial Gateway (GIG) in northern Alberta, is being pitched as a game-changer in the province’s push to become an “AI super-power.” Proponents say the site’s access to power, cooling, and land make it uniquely suited to host next-generation compute facilities at scale.
However, significant questions remain. Despite grandiose promises, there is still no publicly confirmed land-purchase or fully detailed timeline for the build-out. Parent company Kevin O’Leary’s venture has yet to secure the full financing and approvals for the entire vision. Meanwhile, the proposed site overlaps traditional territory of the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation, and formal Indigenous consultation has reportedly not been initiated.
The government of Alberta has introduced a new levy framework for data-centres connected to the grid, yet projects like Wonder Valley which generate their own power may circumvent that levy, raising questions about tax equity and local benefit sharing. Municipalities and Indigenous communities alike are seeking greater transparency and involvement in planning, revenue-sharing and environmental governance.
For Alberta, the upside is substantial: thousands of jobs, new infrastructure investment, and a stake in the global AI boom. But the challenge is to ensure the project delivers on its promise, while respecting Indigenous rights, local land use, and environmental safeguards. As the story unfolds, Alberta’s ambition will be measured by action, not just announcements.
