Mr. Wonderful from Shark Tank is Establishing the Largest AI Data Center in Canada
A Major Leap in AI Infrastructure: Kevin O’Leary’s Wonder Valley
Introduction to Wonder Valley
Kevin O’Leary, widely recognized as "Mr. Wonderful" from the television show “Shark Tank,” recently made headlines at Data Center World 2025 in Washington, D.C. His focus wasn’t on typical venture capitalism but rather on a groundbreaking project titled Wonder Valley, designed to be the largest AI data center globally. This ambitious facility is being built in the Municipal District of Greenview in Alberta, Canada, aiming to support the rapidly growing demands of AI technology.
The Scale of Wonder Valley
The Wonder Valley project is nothing short of vast, covering an incredible 6,000 acres. Once completed, it will have a power capacity of 7.5 gigawatts. The first phase alone, which encompasses 1.5 gigawatts, is scheduled for completion between 2027 and 2028, with an estimated cost of $2 billion. The remaining power will be added gradually over the next few years, reflecting the projected growth in AI workload requirements.
O’Leary emphasized the economic possibilities surrounding data centers, stating, “Data centers are today’s gold rush.” He highlighted that companies with 5 to 500 employees are particularly dominating the market and are in urgent need of AI solutions.
Navigating Regulatory Challenges
Overcoming Barriers
Building new data centers comes with its challenges, primarily due to the complex regulatory landscape. According to O’Leary, obtaining necessary permits and approvals can delay projects significantly. Utilities frequently take up to five years to connect new data centers to power sources. He shared an example of a data center that needed 250 megawatts of power immediately and an additional 250 megawatts later, only to be told that they could initially receive just 25 megawatts.
O’Leary believes that time is critical in attracting investors. He stated, “If you want to attract investors, you have to get a project operational within 24 months.” He proposed a solution: leveraging sources of stranded power, particularly natural gas, from areas that have trouble accessing larger markets. Alberta was noted as the leading region in North America, rich in untapped natural gas.
Commitment to Sustainability and Community
Environmental and Community Awareness
Wonder Valley is not just about scale; it’s also about sustainability and fostering community relationships. The facility is designed to be off-grid, yet there are plans to share some of its power output with the local community. The site boasts an abundance of resources, including land, natural gas, and supporting infrastructure such as hospitals and educational institutions.
O’Leary also pointed out the extensive costs involved in developing an AI data center, asserting the need for large-scale construction to spread these costs effectively. He expressed interest in exploring additional sites with similar attractive characteristics as Alberta, where government support could be available.
Changing the Narrative
A Better Approach to Data Center Development
During his speech, O’Leary criticized the data center industry’s efforts to engage local communities, suggesting that they often face resistance instead of support. He called for a shift in strategy: rather than pulling power from an already strained grid and raising electricity rates, data centers should aim to enhance local power availability.
“With a well-structured plan, we can provide inexpensive power to communities, create jobs during construction, and train local technicians for future operations,” he said. He also addressed the need for environmentally responsible practices, such as capturing carbon emissions instead of releasing them into the atmosphere.
In outlining his vision, O’Leary advocated for a collaborative relationship between data centers and local communities, where benefits are mutual and sustainability takes priority.
By advancing the understanding of how data centers can fit within broader community and environmental frameworks, Wonder Valley presents a transformative opportunity for local economies and the tech landscape at large.
