Saskatchewan coal plant refurbishment fuels AI data centre debate

The Saskatchewan government will spend about C$2.6 billion to refurbish seven coal‑fired generating units at Boundary Dam, Poplar River and Shand, extending their operation until 2050. The province argues the extension is needed to meet growing electricity demand from mining, industry and a new Bell Canada AI data centre being built near Regina.

The provincial NDP claims the decision to keep coal plants running was made to supply the data centre, citing a SaskPower filing that links the life‑extension to increased revenue from the project. SaskPower refuted the allegation, stating the coal‑extension decision was taken in June 2025, before the data centre was approved. The Bell AI facility will eventually require up to 300 MW – about 7.7 % of the province’s record power load – and is projected to generate C$12 billion in revenue, create 800 temporary construction jobs and 80 permanent positions when operational in 2027.