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Verified project profile

Data Centre West of Clive

Armada Nowlit proposes an approximately 19.8 MW modular data-processing facility and natural-gas power plant at 40205 Range Road 243, west of Clive. The submitted package calls the data buildings miner containers, and company materials market digital-asset and AI computing, providing direct evidence of mining-oriented infrastructure without identifying a customer, installed hardware, specific cryptocurrency, or workload split. A rezoning application is before Lacombe County. The package says an AUC application is under review, but ADCW found no active Clive application; the latest confirmed Clive filing closed on May 7, 2026 because it did not satisfy the regulator's information requirements.

Armada Nowlit Energy Ltd.
How to read this profilePublic recordProponent statementProponent projectionADCW context

Project facts

Core scale, approval, employment, and schedule information, labelled by the type of evidence available.

Proponent statement

Proposed generation

Approximately 19.8 MW

Nine proposed 2.2 MW MWM TCG3020 natural-gas generator sets. This is gross installed generation capacity, not a verified compute load.

Sources [2], [3]
Proponent statement

Data-processing buildings

Nine miner containers

The revised July 20, 2026 air-dispersion model labels the nine data buildings as miner containers MC1 to MC9. The package does not identify a customer, installed computing hardware, a specific cryptocurrency, or the share of capacity intended for mining.

Sources [2]
ADCW context

Workload evidence

Digital-asset mining and AI marketed

Armada Nowlit says its data centres support digital-asset and AI computing, and Nowlit markets ASIC and GPU infrastructure, blockchain, and mining services. Together with the miner-container description, this is direct evidence of mining-oriented infrastructure, but it does not confirm a specific coin or workload split at Clive.

Sources [2], [4], [5], [11]
Public record

Rezoning area

4.40 acres

The application seeks to redesignate 4.40 acres from Agricultural to Heavy Industrial. The package describes a 4.28-acre facility area and a 0.12-acre access area, leaving approximately 155.60 acres agricultural.

Sources [2]
Proponent projection

Construction period

Approximately one month

The developer targets a March 2027 start and April 2027 completion, subject to approvals. The traffic assessment estimates 250–450 loaded truck events, or 500–900 one-way heavy-vehicle movements, with no night hauling proposed.

Sources [2]
ADCW context

On-site workforce

Proponent documents conflict

The presentation projects 20–50 temporary construction jobs and 10–20 ongoing operations and service roles. The submitted traffic assessment instead assumes about 10 people on site on a typical construction day, no more than 15 at peak, and a normally unstaffed operating facility with one to three maintenance or service visits per month.

Sources [2]
Proponent projection

Clive investment

Approximately US$2 million claimed

The developer's presentation describes private infrastructure investment at Clive. ADCW did not independently verify the estimate, and it should not be confused with broader company-wide investment claims.

Sources [2]
Public record

Foreign investment record

Hong Kong new-business notification

The federal Investment Canada Act index records an April 2025 new-business notification by Armada Nowlit HK Limited, Central, Hong Kong SAR, China, associated with Armada Nowlit Power Ltd., Armada Nowlit Energy Ltd., and Armada Nowlit Canada Holding Limited. The index lists the ultimate controller's country of origin as Hong Kong SAR, China. It does not disclose an ownership percentage, investment amount, Chinese state ownership, or ownership of the Clive land.

Sources [12]
Proponent projection

Target operation

April–May 2027

A developer schedule subject to engineering, approvals, and construction. It is not a regulatory deadline or confirmed in-service date.

Sources [2], [3]

Energy and emissions

The current concept pairs nine natural-gas generator sets with nine co-located miner containers. The developer proposes to consume all electricity on site and not export power to the Alberta grid.

Important distinction: The 19.8 MW figure is proposed gross generation capacity, not a published data-centre load. The Council package says an AUC application is under review, but the AUC's current application list identifies no active Clive proceeding. The latest confirmed Clive application, 30709-A001, closed without a merits decision on May 7, 2026.
Proponent statement

On-site gas generation

Nine × 2.2 MW

The current design basis uses enclosed MWM TCG3020 generator sets for approximately 19.8 MW gross capacity.

Sources [2], [3]
Proponent statement

Grid export

None proposed

The developer says all electricity would be consumed by the co-located data-processing equipment, with no export to the Alberta Interconnected Electric System.

Sources [2], [3]
Proponent statement

Natural-gas supply

Existing distribution tie-in proposed

The developer identifies an intended connection to existing gas distribution infrastructure but does not name the supplier, route, capacity, or approval status.

Sources [3]
Proponent statement

Emissions controls

Selective catalytic reduction proposed

The current concept includes SCR systems. Final equipment, permit limits, monitoring, and operating conditions are not confirmed in the reviewed record.

Sources [2], [3]
Proponent projection

Short-term nitrogen dioxide

Below Alberta air-quality objective in model

The revised model predicts a maximum one-hour ground-level concentration of 183.7 µg/m³, including estimated background and nearby sources, compared with Alberta's 300 µg/m³ objective. Nitrogen dioxide comes from burning fuel and can increase the risk of breathing problems. This is a prediction, not measured emissions or a regulatory finding.

Sources [2], [13]
ADCW context

AUC status conflict

No active Clive application identified

The Council presentation says an AUC application is submitted and under review. The AUC's current application list identifies Armada Nowlit's Proceeding 30983 for a separate 4.88 MW Red Deer County facility, not Clive. The latest confirmed Clive application, 30709-A001, closed on May 7, 2026.

Sources [2], [9], [7], [8]
ADCW context

Annual greenhouse-gas emissions

Not found

The developer publishes local air-dispersion results but not a project-specific annual CO₂e estimate in the sources reviewed by ADCW.

Sources [2], [3]

Water

The developer proposes closed-loop liquid cooling and says each unit would receive an initial 250–300 L water-glycol fill, followed by minor trucked maintenance top-ups. The package does not define the unit well enough to calculate a reliable project total. No municipal connection or groundwater well is proposed. [2], [3]

Proponent statement

Cooling system

Closed-loop liquid cooling proposed

The current concept uses a contained water-glycol cooling system. Final equipment and operating performance are not independently verified.

Sources [2], [3]
Proponent statement

Initial coolant fill

250–300 L per unit

The developer says the initial water-glycol fill would be trucked to site. The package does not define the unit clearly enough to calculate a reliable project total.

Sources [2], [3]
Proponent statement

Municipal water connection

Not proposed

The developer says the current design would not connect to municipal water.

Sources [2], [3]
Proponent statement

Groundwater well

Not proposed

The developer says the current design would not use an on-site groundwater well.

Sources [2], [3]
Proponent statement

Routine top-up demand

Minor trucked top-ups claimed

The package describes occasional maintenance top-ups but does not quantify their expected frequency, annual volume, leakage, or replacement demand.

Sources [2]
ADCW context

Wastewater and drainage

Final details not published

The current project materials refer to drainage measures but do not publish a complete operating water balance, discharge plan, or final approvals.

Sources [2], [3]

Noise

Project-specific noise evidence is shown when it is available. A predicted sound level is not a measurement from an operating facility.

Proponent projection

Nighttime noise modelling

35.3–35.9 dBA application case

The developer's application case, including an assumed 35 dBA ambient level, predicts 35.3–35.9 dBA at receptors. Its cumulative case predicts 35.4–36.2 dBA, compared with a 40 dBA nighttime limit. The consultant also identified possible low-frequency tonal characteristics but concluded they were unlikely to be an issue because predicted project levels excluding ambient sound were 30 dBA or lower. These are modelled results, not operating measurements.

Sources [2]

Indigenous context

Data centre projects sit within treaty territories and places with longstanding First Nations and Métis connections. This section brings together the public record on treaty geography, Indigenous ownership, consultation, and community concerns. Treaty boundaries alone cannot tell us which communities may be affected or how they view a project.

ADCW context

Treaty geography

Treaty 6 territory

The federal historical treaty-boundary dataset places the project area within Treaty 6. This is geographic context, not evidence of project-specific consultation.

Sources [14]
ADCW context

Project-specific consultation

Not found

The reviewed public sources do not identify potentially affected First Nations or Métis communities, engagement completed, concerns raised, or accommodation measures.

Sources [6], [7], [3]
ADCW context

Consultation determination

Not confirmed

Because the associated AUC filings closed before a merits decision, the reviewed record does not establish a final regulator finding on consultation adequacy for the Clive proposal.

Sources [6], [7]

Approval and public process

The requested 4.40-acre rezoning remains under review. The County's August 27 release confirms no municipal approvals, a September 30 developer meeting, and separate County engagement in late 2026 or early 2027. A formal hearing would follow only if Council proceeds with redesignation; December 10 remains the developer's unconfirmed estimate.

Public record

Power-plant regulator

Alberta Utilities Commission

The AUC reviews power generation, transmission, and grid connections. Lacombe County says the AUC is the primary approval authority for a natural-gas power plant.

Sources [10]
Public record

Rezoning application

4.40 acres to Heavy Industrial

The County confirms that rezoning and a discretionary development permit are required. No municipal approvals or final Council decisions had been granted as of its August 27 release.

Sources [2], [1]
ADCW context

AUC application claim

Not verified for Clive

The developer's presentation says an AUC application is under review. ADCW found only the closed Clive Application 30709-A001 and a current Armada Nowlit application for a separate Red Deer County facility.

Sources [2], [9], [7], [8]
ADCW context

AEPA approval claim

Draft approval claimed; instrument not identified

The presentation lists Alberta Environment and Protected Areas at 'Draft Approval' but provides no approval number, authorization type, conditions, or copy. ADCW did not identify a project-specific approval in the reviewed official record.

Sources [2], [10]
ADCW context

Who pays for cleanup?

C$1.96 million estimated; no security confirmed

The developer estimates cleanup at about C$1.96 million and proposes arranging a bond or similar guarantee later. The package does not show that this money is secured, who could access it if the company failed to clean up, or whether the estimate would keep pace with rising costs over the project's life.

Sources [2]
Public record

Developer meeting

September 30, 2026, 6–8 p.m.

Tees Community Hall. Lacombe County confirms this developer-hosted public information meeting.

Sources [1]
Public record

Separate County engagement

Late 2026 or early 2027

County-led public engagement is separate from the developer meeting and from a formal rezoning hearing. A specific date has not been announced.

Sources [1]
Proponent projection

Estimated public hearing

December 10, 2026

The date appears in the developer's proposed schedule. It is not a final hearing notice or evidence that Council has advanced the application.

Sources [2]

Timeline

Observed decisions and future dates are kept distinct; projected milestones may change.

  1. Public record

    The federal Investment Canada Act index records a new-business notification by Armada Nowlit HK Limited, associated with Armada Nowlit Power Ltd., Armada Nowlit Energy Ltd., and Armada Nowlit Canada Holding Limited. [12]

  2. Public record

    Armada Nowlit registered a 19.95 MW thermal power application with the AUC. [6]

  3. Public record

    The AUC closed the first 19.95 MW application before a merits decision. [6][7]

  4. Public record

    Armada Nowlit registered Application 30709-A001 for a 19.95 MW gas-fired power plant. [7]

  5. Public record

    The AUC closed Application 30709-A001. Its disposition cites numerous deficiencies under Rule 007. [7][8]

  6. Proponent statement

    The revised air-dispersion model described the nine data buildings as miner containers MC1 to MC9. [2]

  7. Public record

    The County confirms that no municipal approvals have been granted and announces public engagement opportunities. [1]

  8. Public record

    Confirmed developer meeting, 6–8 p.m., Tees Community Hall. [1]

  9. Public record

    Separate County-led engagement is planned; no specific date has been announced. [1]

  10. Proponent projection

    The developer's schedule estimates a municipal public hearing. This is not a final hearing notice. [2]

  11. Proponent projection

    The developer targets an approximately one-month construction period, subject to engineering and required approvals. [2][3]

  12. Proponent projection

    The developer targets commercial operation. No approved or binding in-service date was found. [2][3]

What we still don't know

Some details have not been made public or remain unresolved. We keep those gaps visible and update them when reliable information becomes available.

  • Whether and when Armada Nowlit will file a complete replacement AUC application for the Clive power plant. The package's claim that an application is under review does not match the AUC's current application list.
  • Whether Lacombe County will approve the requested redesignation and any later development permit, road-use agreement, or other municipal authorization.
  • What the presentation's 'Draft Approval' from Alberta Environment and Protected Areas refers to, including the authorization type, number, conditions, and current status.
  • The separate data-centre electrical load, customer, installed computing hardware, specific cryptocurrency, and expected split between digital-asset mining and AI workloads.
  • Why the presentation projects 10–20 ongoing roles while the traffic assessment describes a normally unstaffed facility with one to three maintenance or service visits per month.
  • The final natural-gas supplier, connection route, contracted capacity, and required pipeline or utility approvals are not disclosed.
  • Routine cooling-water top-up, total coolant inventory, wastewater handling, and emergency spill-management volumes are not quantified.
  • A project-specific annual greenhouse-gas estimate, final emissions limits, and monitoring requirements were not found.
  • Whether cleanup security will be required before construction, who would hold or enforce it, and how the amount would be adjusted as costs rise.
  • Final equipment procurement, customer commitments, project financing, and a binding construction schedule are not publicly confirmed.
  • Project-specific Indigenous consultation participants, concerns, outcomes, and accommodation measures were not found.
  • The final drainage design, emergency-response arrangements, and cumulative-effects assessment remain unresolved in the reviewed public record.

Source record

Primary and official sources reviewed for this profile. Company disclosures support what the company said, not independent verification of future outcomes.

  2. August 27, 2026 Council agenda: Armada Nowlit Energy Ltd. Clive Facility

    Lacombe County · Municipal record · Meeting scheduled 2026-08-27

  3. Project Clive

    Armada Nowlit Energy · Company disclosure · Accessed 2026-08-25

  4. Armada Nowlit corporate site

    Armada Nowlit · Company disclosure · Accessed 2026-08-25

  5. Infrastructure and computing services

    Nowlit · Company disclosure · Accessed 2026-08-25

  6. Application closure: 19.95-Megawatt Thermal Power Plant

    Alberta Utilities Commission · Regulator · 2025-12-23

  7. Application closure: Proceeding 30709, Application 30709-A001

    Alberta Utilities Commission · Regulator · 2026-05-07

  8. Disposition 30709-D01-2026

    Alberta Utilities Commission · Regulator · 2026-05-07

  9. Current applications

    Alberta Utilities Commission · Regulator · Accessed 2026-08-25

  10. Data Centre & Natural Gas Power Generation Projects FAQs

    Lacombe County · Municipal record · Accessed 2026-08-25

  11. Data Center, Clive

    Government of Alberta Major Projects · Government database · Accessed 2026-08-25

  12. Investment Canada Act: index of decisions and notifications

    Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada · Government database · April 2025 notification; accessed 2026-08-25

  13. Air indicators – Nitrogen dioxide

    Government of Alberta · Government database · Updated February 2026

  14. Treaty Boundary dataset

    Government of Canada Open Government Portal · Government database · Modified 2026-06-29