Bitdeer Begins Construction of Innovative Energy and Computing Hub
Bitdeer, trading on NASDAQ under the ticker BTDR, has officially commenced the construction of an innovative energy and computing hub in Alberta. This new facility is part of the growing trend among bitcoin miners to integrate data centers with dedicated power generation capabilities, driven by the rising demand for electricity from artificial intelligence (AI) and other high-performance computing tasks.
Facility Overview
The groundbreaking took place near Fox Creek, where the facility will house a natural gas power plant with a capacity of 101 megawatts, paired with a data center capable of delivering approximately 100 MW of computing power. With a price tag of $155 million (around C$214 million), the project is projected to be operational by the second quarter of 2027. Initial plans for the site prioritize bitcoin mining, with the flexibility to adapt to high-performance computing needs in the future.
Energy Strategy
Bitdeer has structured this project within Alberta’s unique bring-your-own-generation initiative. This means the data center will rely on its onsite gas plant for electricity, minimizing dependency on the provincial grid while retaining a connection to the Alberta Electric System Operator grid via a 99 MW interconnection. This setup enables the facility to manage electricity usage efficiently, curtailing operations during peak demand and reverting excess power back to the grid, thereby alleviating some of the grid’s strain.
This development strategy echoes a broader shift in the industry, where the alignment of energy supply and computing demand is becoming increasingly vital. For bitcoin miners, this model proves advantageous, allowing immediate utilization of power while also preparing the infrastructure to accommodate emerging demands from AI and high-performance computing.
Significance of the Project
Bitdeer’s engagement with the Alberta energy scene is significant, as the company transitions beyond its foundational roles in bitcoin mining and equipment manufacturing. In February 2025, the company acquired the fully permitted Fox Creek site from Kiwetinohk Energy Corp., which had already gained essential approvals from the Alberta Utilities Commission. After overcoming several hurdles, including engineering and environmental assessments along with consultations with local authorities and First Nations, construction has finally begun.
Spanning 7.7 hectares and situated roughly 1.5 kilometers away from Fox Creek in the Municipal District of Greenview No. 16, this project is anticipated to generate around 300 construction jobs and 30 permanent positions. To support local economies, Bitdeer intends to prioritize hiring Alberta-based contractors.
Environmental Considerations
The facility will employ a closed-loop dry-cooling system that avoids the withdrawal of water from nearby sources, and plans are in place to capture carbon dioxide emissions from the power plant to mitigate its environmental impact. Bitdeer aims to comply with Canada’s carbon regulations and reduce the project’s overall carbon footprint.
Company Vision
According to Jihan Wu, Chairman and CEO of Bitdeer, “this groundbreaking signifies the company’s commitment to establishing a lasting presence in Canada,” citing Alberta’s favorable regulatory environment and rich energy resources as pivotal benefits.
Alberta aims to enhance its appeal to AI data center investments by promoting its natural gas reserves and a deregulated electricity market. The construction of this facility marks a crucial step for Bitdeer, transforming a previously permitted asset into an active development endeavor.
The company now faces the challenge of completing both the power plant and the data center by 2027 while adhering to environmental and regulatory standards—an ambitious task that will test its ability to meet future demands in the computing market. After years of setbacks, the project is now poised to push forward, entering a new era of development in Alberta’s energy landscape.
