A proposed $70-billion data centre by Kevin O’Leary-backed O’Leary Digital in northern Alberta could release the equivalent of 23 Hiroshima-sized atomic bombs of heat daily into the boreal forest, according to physicist Robert Davies. The Wonder Valley project, located south of Grande Prairie, would emit 18 gigawatts of heat and 30 million tonnes of CO₂ annually—over 4% of Canada’s total emissions. The Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation (SLCN) has filed a judicial review, arguing the project’s unprecedented scale demands a full environmental impact assessment (EIA).
Alberta’s Ministry of Environment stated no EIA is required, citing standard technologies. SLCN’s lawyer, Orlagh O’Kelly, called for more consultation. O’Leary Digital CEO Paul Palandjian emphasized regulatory compliance and Indigenous engagement.
The M. D. of Greenview and province are named as respondents.
Source: Hacker News · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing