Synapse Real Estate Corp. explained why it picked Olds for a $10 billion data centre in submissions to Alberta Utilities Commission. ((Image contributed))Synapse Real Estate Corp. said it considered other sites for its $10 billion data centre, but Olds came out on top. About 700 residences are within 800 metres of the proposed data centre and power generation plant site. A system of 600 emergency diesel generators – 60 linked to each data centre block – will be part of the project to ensure the data centre is protected if there is a problem with the power supply. Also, if turbine power cannot be restored within a set permitted period, the data centre will go through a controlled shutdown.