EverWind Proposes $10 Billion AI Campus in Nova Scotia

EverWind Fuels has proposed a $10 billion development in Point Tupper, Nova Scotia, marking the largest private investment in the province's history. The project allocates $8 billion for an AI data centre campus and $2 billion for onshore wind energy advancements. As part of the plan, EverWind Fuels signed a 20-year lease with Anthropic, marking the AI company's first data centre agreement in Canada.

The development is expected to create 2,000 construction jobs and 215 permanent positions, while generating $400 million in municipal tax revenue. To mitigate environmental and utility impacts, EverWind committed to using a closed-loop cooling system and funding all electricity system upgrades to ensure costs are not passed to ratepayers. The project includes Mi’kmaw participation, with the Membertou Development Corp leading a consortium for a potential ownership stake in the data centre and a 51 per cent stake in the wind projects.

Premier Tim Houston praised the investment as responsible growth and a vote of confidence for the province. However, NDP Leader Claudia Chender criticized the government for supporting the project without prior consultation or legislation. Richmond County Warden Lois Landry also emphasized the need for public engagement to ensure residents understand the proposal's implications for their communities.