Hive Digital Upgrades New Brunswick Data Centre for AI Expansion
Hive Digital Technologies Ltd. has announced a major upgrade to its Grand Falls Data Centre in New Brunswick. The company is investing in a new fibre optic network to support high-capacity AI operations. This move aligns with its push into sovereign AI infrastructure, with executives calling it a critical step for Canada’s digital future. The Grand Falls facility is already powered at 70 MW and is being converted into a 50 MW Tier III+ AI factory. A 32-acre expansion is planned, with Tier III design currently underway. To meet growing demand, Hive is partnering with Canada’s largest carrier to build dedicated optical wavelength services, including multiple 100 Gbps and 400 Gbps connections.
The project involves a fibre optic network overbuild, part of the company’s broader strategy to expand GPU AI and high-performance computing (HPC) capabilities. Delivery of these high-speed services is expected to start in Q3 2026. Hive’s estimated capital commitment for the upgrade is around $3.1 million over five years.
Company leaders have emphasised the importance of connectivity for AI development. Aydin Kilic, President and CEO of HIVE, stated that exclusive dedicated network capacity at Grand Falls will serve both enterprise and sovereign AI customers. Craig Tavares, President and COO of BUZZ, added that the site is being built to support Canada’s sovereign AI strategy, with powered infrastructure and dedicated fibre capacity already in place.
Frank Holmes, Executive Chairman of HIVE and BUZZ, described AI as 'the new industrial race.' He argued that countries with sovereign AI factories will boost productivity and security through data sovereignty.
Founded in 2017, Hive Digital Technologies Ltd. was the first publicly listed company to mine digital assets using green energy. The Grand Falls upgrade marks its latest shift toward AI-driven infrastructure. The Grand Falls Data Centre will operate as a high-capacity AI factory with dedicated fibre optic connections. The project supports Hive’s growth in GPU AI and Tier III HPC data centres. Once completed, it is expected to strengthen Canada’s position in sovereign AI development.
