A major artificial intelligence data centre and power generation proposal is making a comeback in central Alberta. Synapse Real Estate Corp. has resubmitted its application to build a 1.4-gigawatt natural gas power plant paired with 10 massive data centres in Olds, about 85 kilometres north of Calgary, just weeks after regulators rejected its first attempt.
The project, which Synapse bills as Canada's largest of its kind, would generate enough electricity daily to power all of Edmonton. The infrastructure would be designed to serve major tech giants like Meta and Google seeking secure computing capacity in Canada.
Regulators Gave a Clear Path Back
The Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) shut down Synapse's initial application in March, citing serious deficiencies in public consultation and incomplete paperwork. However, the regulator made clear that rejection was procedural, not final judgment on the project's merits.
"Closing an application is not the same thing as assessing the merits of a project and does not prevent a company from submitting a new application," the AUC stated in confirmation that it received the reapplication on April 3.
The commission is now reviewing whether the new submission meets all regulatory requirements.
What's Changed This Time
Synapse CEO Jason van Gaal says his team took the regulator's feedback seriously. In the past month, the company has:
- Expanded its noise assessment to include emergency backup generators
- Committed to submitting updated spring noise assessments by June
- Provided the complete environmental evaluation instead of a draft version
- Hosted another community open house in Olds
- Launched a frequently asked questions website
"I've personally had probably over 200 individual consultations at this point with local community members," van Gaal said.
"I believe we've addressed all of the concerns that the AUC has brought forward to us."
Van Gaal expressed confidence that the strengthened application will succeed where the first failed, saying he is "not expecting a rejection."
Residents Remain Skeptical
The resubmission is unwelcome news for some Olds residents. The proposed facility would occupy 121 hectares in the town's northeast, at the corner of Highway 2A and Highway 27—close to existing homes. Bek Macintosh, whose residence sits roughly 300 metres from the proposed site, says her concerns remain unresolved despite Synapse's efforts.
The project has polarized the community, with supporters pointing to economic development and job creation potential, while opponents worry about noise, environmental impact, and quality of life in their neighbourhood.
Any residents or stakeholders wishing to weigh in on the project can submit documents to the Alberta Utilities Commission. The regulator has indicated that all previous submissions must be resubmitted for this new application cycle.
This article is based on reporting from CBC Edmonton.