An enormous data center is currently being constructed near Port Hawkesbury in Cape Breton, aiming to support artificial intelligence operations with robust computing capabilities. EverWind Fuels, led by Trent Vichie, a seasoned private equity expert from Australia and America, is overseeing the project. The data center will be developed in two phases, with the initial phase expected to be operational by the end of 2027, followed by the second phase in 2028.
EverWind recently shared more details about the project, including a partnership with an undisclosed AI firm to lease the first phase for at least 20 years. The first phase will have a capacity of 95 megawatts, while the second phase will expand to 325 megawatts, totaling 420 megawatts. Nova Scotia’s current electricity generation capacity stands at nearly 3,000 megawatts.
To fund the project, EverWind plans to raise $8 billion in private capital, along with an additional $2 billion for constructing four onshore wind farms to support the data center’s energy requirements. Initially, the data center will draw power from the existing provincial grid, with plans to transition to using energy generated by the wind farms. EverWind is committed to covering any necessary upgrades to Nova Scotia’s electricity infrastructure.
In adherence to Ottawa’s responsible data center development principles and Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston’s guidelines, EverWind aims to ensure local benefits, minimal environmental impact, and stable power rates. The company also intends to implement a closed-loop water-glycol system, estimating an average daily water usage of 100,000 liters for the first phase and 500,000 liters for both phases combined.
Furthermore, EverWind has announced a community benefit program worth tens of millions of dollars, with details of the allocation to be determined through consultations with local communities and the data center’s client. Additionally, a consortium of Mi’kmaw communities, spearheaded by Membertou First Nation, is in negotiations for a nine percent equity stake in the project.
The data center’s location at Point Tupper, near Port Hawkesbury, aligns with EverWind’s broader renewable energy initiatives in Nova Scotia, including a concurrent project for a green hydrogen and ammonia facility at the same site. The development of data centers, particularly those supporting AI operations, has sparked debates across Canada due to their substantial resource requirements and environmental implications. Despite some controversies surrounding data centers, EverWind remains committed to its sustainable and community-oriented development approach.