Projects similar to the Meta data centre have been proposed near communities like Olds, prompting concern from residents. Meta’s data centre will be built alongside a $4.6-billion natural gas-fired power plant capable of producing 932 megawatts, expected to begin operation a few years after the data centre has already begun running and using power. Some companies have predicted a near tripling in Alberta’s energy costs from these data centre projects, but Cao says it isn’t that simple. Meta’s press release regarding the data centre promised the creation of 3,000 construction jobs and 300 operational jobs. “In terms of operating the data centre, you don’t really need that many skilled labourers,” said Cao.