Olds data centre power plant application paused pending clarification

The Alberta Utilities Commission has paused its review of a major data centre project in Olds after issuing additional information requests to developer Synapse Real Estate Corp.

Synapse proposes building a 1.4-gigawatt natural gas plant and 1.8 gigawatts of emergency diesel generation to power a large data centre in the town, about 80 kilometres north of Calgary. The project has drawn significant resident backlash.

Around 685 statements of intent to participate have been filed by residents seeking standing in the regulatory proceeding. The AUC initially requested more information from Synapse on May 15, listing dozens of questions about combustion turbine specifications, diesel fuel storage, job creation, and wetland management on the proposed site.

After Synapse responded on June 5, the AUC issued additional information requests. The commission decided to "suspend" the process until the developer submits responses to the second round of questions.

The pause delays the next scheduled step—interveners' information requests being sent to Synapse. Synapse initially projected beginning construction this summer, pending environmental permit approvals.

Resident Janae Johnson, who attended a May 21 AUC information session, expressed concern about health impacts and property values but said she's encouraged by the regulatory process. "We get, like, 20 or 30 a day at this point that have been signing up," Johnson said of residents intervening. "To see the support and concern kind of validates what I feel."