EverWind Fuels has announced plans for a $10 billion artificial intelligence data centre campus at its industrial site in Point Tupper, near Port Hawkesbury. The company says about $8 billion would go to the data centre and $2 billion to onshore wind farms.
The tenant is Anthropic, the company behind the Claude AI assistant, on a 20 year lease. The first phase would draw 95 megawatts and is set to open in late 2027, with an expansion to 420 megawatts targeted for 2028. EverWind says it will create about 2,000 construction jobs and 215 permanent jobs. Cooling water would come from Landrie Lake, which also supplies Port Hawkesbury.
The announcement on October 16 has drawn support and opposition. Here’s what has been reported so far.
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The Canadian Press reported EverWind’s plans, including the company’s promise to pay for grid connections and upgrades so existing ratepayers aren’t charged. EverWind founder Trent Vichie said: “Speed matters, and capable partners matter and this is something that we can do.”
The Canadian Press via CP24, October 16
The Nova Scotia NDP is calling for legislation to protect ratepayers. Leader Claudia Chender said: “Nova Scotians have deep concerns about the impact of data centres, including on power rates and fresh water.”
Global News reported on Anthropic’s reasons for choosing Canada. Anthropic’s Jacob Glick said the company wants “our infrastructure to be closer to the people who rely on it.”
Elsewhere in the province, Cumberland County council voted in June to begin work on a moratorium on data centre construction while it develops rules. Mayor Rod Gilroy said: “We can only move so fast on it, but we will commit to doing it.”
Global News reported on the premier’s change in position since June, when he said data centres were far in the future. Houston said his concern then was protecting ratepayers: “We’re not going to drive up the rates.”
The Dalhousie Gazette reported more than 100 people marched to Province House on October 17 to oppose the project. Dalhousie student Rebecca Demmings said: “Out of all the things that we need to work on right now, having a data centre is at the bottom of the list.”
When the plan first surfaced in September, CBC News spoke with local leaders in Richmond County. Warden Lois Landry said: “So we welcome economic opportunity, but to follow up on what the premier has been talking about, that’s not a blank cheque.”
Protest organizers say more rallies are planned for November 7 in Halifax, Sydney, Kentville, Port Hawkesbury and other communities.
