Massive Olds Data Centre Power Plan rejected

A proposal to build a large natural gas-fired power plant to support a massive data centre development in Olds has been rejected by the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC).

Synapse Real Estate Corp. had applied to build a 10-building data centre campus with approximately 1.4 gigawatts of natural gas-fired power generation—roughly enough electricity to power the City of Edmonton.

The project drew significant opposition from local residents, who raised concerns about the proposed location within Olds' town limits, close to homes and businesses.

In its decision, the AUC concluded the proposed power plant would be too close to the surrounding community and found Synapse had not adequately justified why the site was chosen.

Alberta has been actively courting major technology companies to establish data centres in the province, with the government encouraging projects that include their own power generation to reduce pressure on the provincial electricity grid.

While the AUC is responsible for reviewing and approving power infrastructure, municipalities retain authority over zoning and land-use decisions related to data centre developments.