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Google Leads Big Tech Charge at Calgary Stampede Amid Alberta’s Tech Push

Prime Highlights- 

  • Big Tech firms join Calgary Stampede as Alberta pushes to attract C$100 billion in data center investment.  
  • Google hosts its largest-ever Stampede presence, sponsoring the event for a second consecutive year.  

Key Facts- 

  • Pembina Pipeline moves ahead with a C$4.6 billion, 932-megawatt gas project to power a major data center.  
  • Alberta plans to announce a major technology and artificial intelligence investment for the province. 

Background- 

 Big Tech companies have joined the celebrations at the Calgary Stampede this year, a sign of growing interest from U.S.-based hyperscalers as Alberta works to position itself as a leading destination for data center development.

Oil and gas companies traditionally dominate the annual Stampede festivities, but this year, U.S. technology giants have taken on a prominent role as well.

Alphabet’s Google stood out the most, sponsoring the Stampede for a second consecutive year and hosting a private event at the Corona Skydeck, an exclusive rooftop venue overlooking the rodeo grounds with space for 300 guests. Federal and provincial politicians attended the gathering alongside government staff.

A Google spokeswoman confirmed the company’s largest-ever presence at the Stampede this year, while sources noted that Meta and Amazon representatives also attended various events during the festival.

Alberta aims to attract C$100 billion in data center investment, highlighting its abundant and affordable natural gas supply along with its cold climate as key advantages for hyperscalers facing power limitations elsewhere.

The Alberta government plans to announce a major investment in the province’s technology and artificial intelligence sector, according to officials.

Nate Glubish, Alberta’s technology minister, said the province is in discussions with several technology companies seeking locations where they can connect to the power grid quickly. Alberta is also offering companies the option to build their own power sources.

Pembina Pipeline recently confirmed it will proceed with its C$4.6 billion Greenlight Electricity Centre, a 932-megawatt natural gas project in central Alberta designed to power a major data center for an undisclosed client.