Should a 920 MW Gas Power Plant Be Built to Power an AI Data Centre Near Gibbons?

Official title: Beacon AI Centers Heartland Project

Closed Environmental Assessment Environment & Climate Natural Resources Technology & Digital
Heartland Power wants to build a massive natural gas power plant in Sturgeon County, Alberta—about 7 km east of Gibbons. The facility would run 200 gas-fired generators producing 920 megawatts, all to power a new AI data centre. It's expected to operate for 25 years. The comment period on the initial project description has closed, but funding applications to participate in the ongoing assessment are still being accepted.

Why This Matters

Live near Gibbons or in Sturgeon County? A major industrial facility could be coming to your backyard. Gas plants mean air emissions, noise, and truck traffic during construction. This project also raises bigger questions: should we burn fossil fuels to power AI? Your input shapes whether and how this project moves forward.

What Could Change

If approved, Heartland Power could build and operate a 920 MW gas-fired power plant for 25 years. The Impact Assessment Agency will set conditions on emissions, noise, and environmental protection. The project would add significant natural gas electricity generation to Alberta's grid—specifically to power AI computing.

Key Issues

  • What are the air quality and emissions impacts of 200 natural gas generators?
  • How will the project affect nearby communities and Indigenous Peoples?
  • Is building new fossil fuel infrastructure appropriate to power AI data centres?

How to Participate

  1. Review the Summary of the Initial Project Description to understand what's being proposed.
  2. Read the full Initial Project Description for technical details.
  3. Apply for participant funding by February 5, 2026 to support your participation in the assessment process.
  4. Contact the project team at beacon-heartland@iaac-aeic.gc.ca or call (780) 495-2037 with questions.

What Happened

The public comment period on the summary of the Initial Project Description closed on January 26, 2026. The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada received 19 comments and is currently reviewing them to prepare the summary of issues. Funding applications for participation are still being accepted until February 5, 2026.

Key Documents