A significant data center is in the works near Port Hawkesbury in Cape Breton to support Anthropic, a leading artificial intelligence company. The construction will be managed by EverWind Fuels, with Anthropic leasing the initial phase for a minimum of 20 years. The data center is set to fuel Claude models and meet the rising demand from customers in Canada and worldwide.
EverWind, led by Trent Vichie, an Australian-American private equity expert, had previously hinted at their data center aspirations. Recently, EverWind disclosed more details about their development plans. The facility will be constructed in two phases, with the first phase expected to be operational by the end of 2027 and the second phase by 2028.
The first phase will have a 95-megawatt capacity, while the second phase will ramp up to 325 megawatts, totaling 420 megawatts. EverWind has committed to covering any necessary upgrades to Nova Scotia’s electricity infrastructure.
To fund the project, EverWind is raising $8 billion in private capital, along with an additional $2 billion designated for four onshore wind farms. This investment is anticipated to benefit the local economy and support energy and knowledge sectors in Nova Scotia.
Local officials have initiated land clearing for the project and aim to lay foundations before winter. EverWind’s wind farms will eventually supply power to the data center, with the initial power supply coming from the provincial grid. The Independent Energy System Operator is assessing the project’s impact on the grid’s capacity.
Various government representatives have expressed support for the project, emphasizing its alignment with government priorities. While some community members have raised concerns, EverWind remains committed to developing renewable energy projects in Nova Scotia.
The data center’s location will coincide with other proposed projects, including a green hydrogen and ammonia facility. Data centers have sparked debates across Canada, especially those fueling AI, due to their substantial resource requirements. EverWind has pledged to adhere to responsible data center development principles set by the federal government.
The company plans to employ a closed-loop water-glycol system with estimated water usage of 100,000 liters per day for the first phase and 500,000 liters per day for both phases. EverWind’s promise to implement a community benefit program and involve local stakeholders reflects their commitment to responsible development.