Proceeding 30732  Register

Application 30732-A001

Decision 30732-D01-2026

Overview

Synapse Real Estate Corp applied to construct and operate a combined-cycle natural gas-fired power plant with a nominal capacity of approximately 1,400 megawatts (MW) as well as 1,800 MW of emergency and backup diesel generation (the power plant). The application stated that the power plant will not be connected to the Alberta Interconnection Electric System but will be used to power the on-site data centre load. The application was filed under the Hydro and Electric Energy Act.

On August 17, 2026, the AUC denied the Synapse Data Center Power Plant Project application. The Commission finds that the project is too close to the surrounding community, and Synapse failed to demonstrate any compelling justification for selecting that location. The site is simply not suitable for the proposed development. In making this finding, the Commission is not commenting on the suitability of a data centre in this location. The Commission does not approve or regulate data centres.

Hearing information

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Synapse Data Center Power Plant Project