The federal-provincial energy accord has drawn national attention to pipelines, but attracting major investment into the burgeoning AI-focused data centre sector could provide another spark for Alberta’s economy in the coming years.

And the new chief executive of Calgary-based power generator TransAlta Corp. sees opportunities ahead for data centres in the province — and views the energy memorandum of understanding (MOU) as “very positive” — as the province seeks to land its share of a growing pie.

“The MOU between the Alberta government and the federal government certainly, as designed, would encourage investment in new infrastructure for us in Canada, but specifically in Alberta,” said Joel Hunter, who takes over Friday as TransAlta’s CEO.

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“New generation would be required if you really want to build this industry out, and so with the MOU — and having that policy support — you have that in place where you can build new thermal (power) generation … It certainly sends all the right signals for future capital investment within the province.”

Hunter spent more than 25 years with pipeline giant TC Energy, including a stint as its chief financial officer, before joining TransAlta in 2024 to become its executive vice-president and CFO.

Last November, the company announced CEO John Kousinioris would retire at the end of April and be replaced by Hunter, a chartered financial analyst who holds degrees from the University of Calgary and the University of Regina.

The 59-year-old executive grew up in Moose Jaw, Sask., where he once was a Triple A, under-18 hockey goalie. He worked summer jobs at the........

© Calgary Herald