EverWind Fuels pitches $10B AI data centre to Cape Breton communities amid local skepticism
EverWind Fuels is holding information sessions in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, to present its proposal for a $10 billion AI data centre in Point Tupper. The project, backed by a 20-year lease with Anthropic, faces questions from residents over consultation, environmental assessments, and regulatory oversight.
EverWind Fuels is hosting two community information sessions this week in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, to present its proposal for a $10 billion artificial intelligence data centre in Point Tupper.
The first session is scheduled for 5 p.m. at a community centre in D’Escousse, N.S., followed by a second meeting on Wednesday at 5 p.m. in Lower River Inhabitants, N.S. The company announced the project last month, outlining plans for an 18,600-square-metre facility expected to come online by the end of 2027. American AI company Anthropic has signed a 20-year lease for the data centre.
The facility's energy demands are substantial. The first phase will draw 95 megawatts of electricity. A 325-megawatt expansion is expected in mid-2028, bringing the total energy demand to 420 megawatts.
Local residents have expressed skepticism about the project's scope and raised concerns regarding insufficient oversight. Resident Julissa Stewart criticized the speed of the plan and the lack of prior community consultation. Stewart cited the absence of an environmental assessment and regulations as her primary concerns.
EverWind’s chief financial officer stated that community consultation could not occur before the Oct. 16 announcement due to a non-disclosure agreement with Anthropic.
Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston stated last week that it remains unclear if new legislation is needed for the facility, which would be the first AI data centre in the province.