Nain AI Compute Export Hub
A publicly owned, 15MW renewable energy project exporting AI compute capacity via fiber instead of transmitting electricity.
Scope & Rationale
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is launching a nation-scale tech-energy export initiative. All infrastructure is publicly funded and owned.
- GenerationNew 15–20 MW run-of-river hydro plant on Fraser River.
- Export Trunk200–1000 Tbps Fiber cable to Goose Bay (300km).
- FacilityModular container yard at Nain port with serviced slots.
- Business ModelLease "serviced slots" to tenants. No government server ownership.
Capital Investment (~$200M)
*Estimates based on similar remote hydro/fiber projects (e.g. Culliton Creek, SednaLink).
Timeline (5 Years)
Year 0–1: Planning & Enabling
Feasibility studies, environmental assessments, and permits. Road and transmission corridor clearing begins.
Year 2–3: Major Construction
Hydro plant civil works and powerhouse construction. Fiber-optic cable deployment and dock upgrades completed.
Year 4: Commissioning & Power-On
Target Milestone: Hydro plant energized. Facility opens for first tenants. Initial revenue begins in Q4.
Year 5+: Steady Operations
Ramp-up to full occupancy (15–20 MW load). Annual revenues stabilize between $20–30M.
Financial Viability
Revenue Model
Leasing "serviced slots" (Power + Pipe + Space) to AI/Cloud tenants.
Returns (ROI)
Public capital investment yields steady long-term returns.
- Annual Revenue:$20–$30 M
- Payback Period:~10 Years
- Asset Life:40+ Years
Strategic Impact
"By exporting computing, we effectively export high-tech services rather than raw materials, moving up the value chain."