Mihta Askiy Data Centre

The Mihta Askiy Data Center is a planned 650MW facility in northern Alberta, Canada, led by the Woodland Cree First Nation (WCFN) through their majority-owned company. The project involves acquiring and repurposing a partially completed power plant from the former Carmon Creek oil sands initiative, located on disturbed lands near key infrastructure such as fiber networks, water sources, and natural gas fields. Two 200MW Siemens turbines have already been procured, with initial power generation targeted for mid-2027.

Strategically positioned near carbon capture reservoirs and grid interconnection options, the facility will primarily use natural gas and aims to contribute excess power to Alberta’s growing energy demands for digital infrastructure. Sovereign Digital Infrastructure is spearheading the development alongside partners like Siemens Energy Canada, Eastdil Secured, and several legal firms. This initiative aligns with Alberta’s broader effort to support up to 1.2GW of new data center capacity by 2028.

For WCFN, the Mihta Askiy project represents a model of economic reconciliation and environmental stewardship. Chief Isaac Laboucan-Avirom emphasizes its significance for Indigenous-led innovation, aiming to deliver long-term value through job creation, technological leadership, and community-centered infrastructure.