An expansive data center for supporting artificial intelligence operations is currently being constructed near Port Hawkesbury in Cape Breton. EverWind Fuels has announced plans for a two-stage development, with the initial phase set to be operational by the end of 2027 and the subsequent phase in 2028. The company, led by Trent Vichie, an Australian-American private equity expert, had previously hinted at its data center aspirations. However, more details regarding the project have now been disclosed.
EverWind is constructing the facility and has inked a deal with an undisclosed AI firm to lease the first phase for at least 20 years. The first phase is projected to have a capacity of 95 megawatts, with the second phase expanding this to 325 megawatts, totaling 420 megawatts. The current electrical output capacity of Nova Scotia stands at around 3,000 megawatts.
In financing the project, EverWind has committed to covering any necessary upgrades to Nova Scotia’s power grid. The company is sourcing $8 billion in private investments for the data center and an additional $2 billion for four onshore wind farms in the pipeline. While these wind farms will eventually meet the electricity demands of the data center, initial power supply will be sourced from the provincial grid, which has been confirmed to support the first phase.
EverWind has been actively pursuing renewable energy projects in Nova Scotia for some time, and these efforts remain unchanged. The data center will be situated alongside another proposed project by EverWind – a green hydrogen and ammonia facility – at Point Tupper’s industrial park in Cape Breton.
Data centers, particularly those powering AI operations, have sparked debates nationwide due to their significant resource requirements and potential environmental impacts. EverWind has aligned with Ottawa’s responsible data center development principles and Nova Scotia’s guidelines to ensure local benefits, minimal environmental harm, and stable power rates. The company has pledged to implement a closed-loop water-glycol system to manage water usage efficiently.
Additionally, EverWind has committed to a community benefit program valued in the tens of millions of dollars, with the specific allocation of funds to be determined through consultations with local communities and the data center’s client. A group of Mi’kmaw communities, led by Membertou First Nation, is negotiating a nine percent equity stake in the project.
The data center at Point Tupper is part of EverWind’s broader strategy to bolster renewable energy infrastructure in the region, emphasizing responsible development and collaboration with local stakeholders.
