Data centre capacity could soar to 20 GW in planned projects: government document
Data centre capacity could soar to 20 GW in planned projects: government document
Publish Date: 2026-07-08 15:22:00
Source Domain: larongenow.com
“With AI expected to proliferate in the coming years, crowding out existing markets, more investors are seeking alternative destinations to host data centres,” the presentation says.
The figure was featured in a pitch deck prepared by Innovation, Science and Economic Development for Solomon which was signed by Associate Deputy Minister Mark Schaan. A government website lists it as received on Jan. 8, 2026.
“Further to your request for a short slide deck on Canada’s artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem, suitable for use with international investors, please find the product attached,” the document says.
A statement provided to The Canadian Press on background said Solomon’s office could not find that the deck was ever used externally.
The planned projects come as opposition to new data centres has been emerging in communities across the country.
A written statement from Solomon’s office said the 20 GW figure “was a high-level, point-in-time snapshot of publicly announced and proposed private-sector projects across Canada. It brought together projects at very different stages of development, from early proposals to more advanced plans, and was intended to illustrate the scale of market interest at that time.”
The statement said not all of those projects will go ahead.
“These projects remain subject to commercial decisions, financing, electricity availability, regulatory approvals, and engagement with provinces, municipalities, utilities, Indigenous communities and local communities,” it said.
“Most of this proposed capacity is not expected to proceed, and projects that do proceed may move forward on different timelines or at different scales than originally proposed.”
The statement also pointed to numbers in the government’s recent national AI strategy.
“Estimates vary, but analysis suggests Canada will require 5.5 gigawatts (GW) worth of AI compute for its commercial players by 2030. Much of this will be delivered through…
