TransAlta Engages Community on Proposed Boreal Technology Hub Data Centre in Alberta

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TransAlta Corp., along with partners Brookfield and CPP Investments, is exploring the development of the Boreal Technology Hub in Parkland County, Alberta, engaging local residents for feedback.

CALGARY, ALTA. — TransAlta Corp. is currently addressing inquiries from rural residents located west of Edmonton regarding its proposed data centre project, the Boreal Technology Hub. This initiative, which includes partners Brookfield and CPP Investments, was formalized through a memorandum of understanding signed in February, aiming to evaluate the feasibility of a large-scale data centre in Parkland County. The site, strategically situated just south of TransAlta’s existing gas-fired Keephills Generating Station, has been allocated 230 megawatts by Alberta’s grid operator for its initial development phase. Upon full completion, the facility could potentially reach a capacity of 1,600 megawatts, exceeding the current energy consumption of the City of Edmonton at peak times.
During a community open house held a month ago, TransAlta CEO Joel Hunter reported that the event was well-received, lasting four hours and drawing approximately 180 participants. “The feedback was clear: residents are eager to learn more about data centres. Despite our efforts to communicate, this technology remains relatively new, prompting inquiries about operational aspects such as noise levels and water usage,” Hunter explained during a conference call to discuss the company’s third-quarter financial results. He noted the absence of protests at the event, emphasizing that attendees were primarily seeking information.
Hunter highlighted TransAlta's longstanding presence in the region, having operated there for over 70 years, which has fostered a tradition of community engagement. Another informational session is slated for next week at the Keephills community hall, where residents will have the opportunity to explore the project’s technical details, regulatory considerations, and potential community benefits.
The Alberta government is actively seeking to attract data centre developers to the province, capitalizing on its abundant natural gas resources and available land. However, officials are also cautious, aiming to prevent strain on the provincial electrical system. New entrants to the market are required to secure their own power sources and are subject to initial consumption limits from the grid. Hunter commended the provincial government's approach, contrasting it with some U.S. regions where rapid development has led to increased consumer power costs and subsequent regulatory reversals.
“The province has taken a thoughtful and deliberate stance, ensuring that they do not compromise reliability or affordability for Albertans,” Hunter remarked. “While some may experience frustration with the pacing, this strategy is intentional and focused on both immediate and long-term sustainability.”
In the latest financial quarter, TransAlta reported a profit of $63 million, or 20 cents per diluted share, for the period ending September 30. This marks a significant rebound from a loss of $62 million, or 20 cents per diluted share, in the same quarter of the previous year. On an adjusted basis, the company posted earnings of 18 cents per share, compared to an adjusted loss of two cents per share in the third quarter of 2025. Total revenue for the quarter was $536 million, down from $615 million year-over-year.

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