'Wonder Valley', world's largest AI data centre, developing in northwest Alberta. Courtesy: O'Leary Ventures

By Jayk Sterkenburg

BUSINESS

Shark Tank’s Kevin O’Leary devising AI data centre in northwest Alberta

Dec 9, 2024 | 4:56 PM

The world’s largest AI Data Centre Industrial Park “Wonder Valley” is in development stages to appear near Grande Prairie, Alta., in the Greenview Industrial Gateway.

Alberta’s minister of technology and innovation Nate Glubish said that promotion of the province to data centre operators and investors is paying off.

“The GIG project is proof that Alberta is a destination of choice for data centres and their corresponding power generation infrastructure,” Glubish said.

O’Leary Ventures, founded by Shark Tank host and investor Kevin O’Leary, has struck a partnership with the municipal district of Greenview, Alta.

Greenview sees the project as a monumental and transformative accomplishment for not just itself as a municipality, but Alberta as a province — and North America as a whole.

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Wonder Valley will be launched in several stages. The scale will create abundant career opportunities in not only the industrial park itself, but initial construction.

Aerial concept of ‘Wonder Valley’, conceptualized by O’Leary Ventures. O’Leary Ventures

The GIG, along with O’Leary Ventures, has signed a letter of intent to purchase and develop thousands of acres of land within and to the south of the gateway.

An off-grid natural gas and geothermal power infrastructure is to be built, in support of the data centre.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith expressed her excitement in the project’s unfolding in the months and years to come.

“This is fantastic news for Alberta. Our efforts to attract investment, grow our technology and innovation sector, and leverage our natural and human resources are being noticed,” Smith said.

The municipal district of Greenview’s reeve, Tyler Olsen, said that the development is an investment in the future of innovation and economic expansion for Canada.

“This is more than just an investment in land,” Olsen said.

The project is expected to draw attention from investors globally as well as industry leaders. O’Leary calls the chosen site the most compelling in all of North America.

“Given existing permits, proximity to stranded sources of natural gas, pipeline infrastructure, water and a fiber optic network within just a few kilometers of the Greenview Industrial Gateway, we will be in the ground and up and running sooner than any scale project of its kind,” O’Leary said.

“The total investment over the lifetime of the project will be over $70 billion when considering the infrastructure, power, data centres and ancillary structures,” he added.

“The GIG’s ideal cold-weather climate, a highly skilled labor force, Alberta’s pro-business policies and attractive tax regime make the GIG the perfect site for this project.”

O’Leary Ventures wants to deliver transformative economic impact with the lowest possible carbon emissions granted by the area’s quality of gas.

Along with an efficient design, and potential to add geothermal power to the project, O’Leary said these factors will promote sustainability and worldwide recognized success.

Paul Palandjian, CEO of O’Leary Ventures, stressed that a core value for the project is to engage with First Nations Indigenous communities to create a mutually beneficial relationship.

He said the people and the land will be honoured during the development, and for many years to come.