Powering the next generation from Pincher Creek
Pincher Creek has helped shape Alberta’s energy story for more than a century. Now, Captus Generation is working to build on that legacy by using Alberta natural gas to power the growing demand for digital infrastructure.
Our proposed development south of Pincher Creek would pair reliable, on-site power generation with modern digital infrastructure, creating an opportunity to bring new investment, jobs and long-term economic diversification to the region.
Captus Generation owns 850 acres of land around the existing Drywood Generating Power Plant. Click to enlarge.
The Opportunity
Advancing a power and digital infrastructure development on industrial land south of Pincher Creek.
The rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) is driving demand for new digital infrastructure around the world. Data centres provide the computing power needed to support AI and many of the digital services people use every day.
The 825-acre site around the Drywood Generating Plant is well suited for this type of development, with the potential to support local economic development and community benefits while limiting environmental impacts on an established and pre-existing industrial site.
Our Commitment to Engagement
Captus began community engagement in March, 2024 with presentations to the MD of Pincher Creek’s Council Committee and the Town of Pincher Creek’s Committee of the Whole. We also held an information session at the Twin Butte community hall in May 2024.
While Captus ownership has changed since then, our core management team remains the same. As plans progress and we finalize a data centre partner, we will have more specifics to share about what we plan to build, subject to regulatory approvals.
In the meantime, please reach out with any questions or concerns.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to the questions we have been getting in conversations with local residents and in social media posts. Please reach out to us through the connect page if you have any questions that are not addressed here, or subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates directly.
Is Captus building a data centre?
Captus plans to build an electricity generation facility that could be co-located with a high-tech data centre on industrial land within the Municipal District of Pincher Creek. Since we don’t yet have a final deal with a technology industry partner, many details still have to be determined, including design, scale, construction timing, cooling system and operating details. Those details will depend on commercial agreements, engineering, regulatory review and required approvals. We do know, however, that the development will use non-potable water and have no impact on water reservoirs in the region.
How big could the project be?
The final size and layout of the Captus development have yet to be determined. We have explored various configurations and are planning the project as a phased development, which means it would not be built all at once.
The final scale will depend on numerous factors, approvals, and the needs of a future digital infrastructure partner. Once that is confirmed, we will provide an update. Until then, the project is still in planning stages and will be subject to required approvals.
Who is going to build the data centre?
Captus would build the natural gas fueled power generation plant and sell the electricity to a technology company that would build the digital infrastructure concurrently.
Captus leaders have been speaking with several prospective digital infrastructure partners and finding a lot of interest, but there is not yet a confirmed data centre developer. Technology companies are attracted by the large parcel of industrial land with utility connections in place for reliable electricity generation. Even so, these are very large investments so it takes time to finalize an agreement to move forward. We look forward to announcing an agreement to the Pincher Creek community as soon as we can.
Why should Pincher Creek residents care about this project?
The Captus development has potential to bring significant investment to the Municipal District of Pincher Creek, create jobs for both construction and operations, support local contractors and service businesses, increase the local tax base and help diversify the regional economy through a new technology-forward industry.
Details have not yet been finalized, and we will share more information as the project advances. If there are specific opportunities you would be interested in hearing more about as planning advances, please get in touch.
Will the Captus project impact the reservoir?
There will be zero impact on the Waterton Reservoir or any other reservoirs or lakes in the region. The project site is many kilometres away from the nearest surface water body of any significance.
Will the project impact local electricity prices?
This is one of the many features that make the site so desirable. The plan is to build fully reliable power supply for the data centre on-site. This eliminates reliance on the provincial grid for electricity.
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