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Texas-based VoltaGrid and Canada-based Beacon AI Centers are developing a data centre in Saint John's Spruce Lake Industrial Park, leveraging the city's abundant dark fibre resources. The area is described as an untapped 'gold mine' for artificial intelligence projects due to its historical telecommunications infrastructure from NBTel.

Local officials, including Ian MacKinnon of Saint John Industrial Parks, highlight the low round-trip data transmission times as appealing to businesses. Despite local opposition and environmental concerns, the project promises a lower carbon footprint through an on-site natural gas system.

The VoltaGrid initiative is pending an environmental impact assessment. Former premier Frank McKenna emphasizes the need for New Brunswick to capitalize on its technological assets amidst economic challenges.