Alberta Plans AI Expansion Using Natural Gas Amid Energy Policy Shifts

Alberta's government, led by Premier Danielle Smith, has prioritized expanding oil pipeline infrastructure and leveraging its abundant natural gas reserves to establish the province as a leader in both energy and artificial intelligence sectors. Ambitious plans include building new pipelines to the Pacific coast, Ontario, and Hudson Bay to diversify export markets, particularly targeting Asian markets, as well as attracting AI data centers powered by natural gas. However, critics highlight that the proposed oil production targets for 2030 and 2035 may be unrealistic, potentially breaching emissions caps and deepening fiscal reliance on volatile oil revenues, which poses challenges to sustainable economic planning and climate commitments. Alberta's efforts also extend to strengthening cross-border energy relations, with MLA Chantelle de Jonge attending advanced training in Washington, D.C., to engage U.S. legislators on North American energy security and promote Alberta as a stable energy supplier. These initiatives reflect a strategic pivot aiming to balance economic growth through energy development with emerging technological sectors, while navigating environmental and fiscal concerns.