Meta, the tech giant behind Facebook, has announced plans to build a $13 billion data centre north of Edmonton, Alberta, marking its first such facility in Canada.

The project, which is expected to create thousands of jobs, will be located in a region known for its abundant natural resources and low energy costs.

The data centre will be part of a larger initiative to expand Meta's global infrastructure, supporting its growing demand for cloud computing and data storage services.

The announcement comes amid increased competition in the tech sector, with companies like Amazon and Microsoft also investing heavily in data centre projects across Canada.

The Alberta government has expressed support for the initiative, highlighting its potential to boost the local economy and position the province as a leader in the digital economy.

However, environmental concerns have been raised regarding the project's impact on the surrounding ecosystem, with critics urging Meta to implement sustainable practices.The data centre is expected to be operational by 2028, with significant investments in renewable energy sources to mitigate environmental risks.