AI data centre proponent in Nova Scotia makes its pitch to Cape Breton communities
The proponent of a major artificial intelligence data centre proposal in southern Cape Breton is slated to make its pitch to local residents in person.
EverWind Fuels, the proponent of an AI data centre project in southern Cape Breton, is set to present its proposal to local residents. The company will hold two information sessions, one in D’Escousse and another in Lower River Inhabitants, both scheduled for the same time this week. Earlier this month, EverWind announced plans for a $10-billion, 18,600-square-metre data centre in Point Tupper, with an expected online date of late 2027.
Local skepticism has arisen due to concerns over the project's scale and the perceived lack of community oversight. EverWind's CFO disclosed that consultation with surrounding communities could not commence until the Oct. 16 announcement, due to a non-disclosure agreement with American AI firm Anthropic. Anthropic secured a 20-year lease for the facility, which will initially consume 95 megawatts of electricity, with a potential expansion to 325 megawatts by mid-2028, totaling 420 megawatts for the entire development.
D’Escousse resident Julissa Stewart expressed shock at the rapid pace of EverWind's plan, emphasizing her top concern is the project's environmental impact and limited regulatory oversight. Premier Tim Houston acknowledged uncertainty regarding the need for new legislation to regulate what would be the first AI data centre in Nova Scotia.
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