Radiant Ridge, Nordcon partner to convert natural gas into computing power

Radiant Ridge, Nordcon will partner to convert natural gas into computing power through a project that deploys modular data centers at well sites to monetize gas and support high-performance computing. (Image RRE)

Radiant Ridge Energy Ltd. (RRE) and Nordcon Canada Inc. have formed a strategic partnership to deploy modular data center capacity powered directly by natural gas produced at Nordcon’s well sites in Western Canada. The initial phase includes 3 MW of hydrocooled data center infrastructure installed alongside Nordcon’s production facilities, where the gas will be used on site to generate power for high-performance computing workloads.

The project pairs RRE’s experience developing data center and energy systems with Nordcon’s upstream natural gas operations to create what the companies describe as a vertically integrated model for turning “stranded” or remote gas into a computing asset. By converting gas into electricity at the source, the partners aim to reduce transportation costs, improve power efficiency and diversify revenue.

“This partnership exemplifies the innovative solutions possible when energy production meets digital infrastructure,” said Bruce Xu, managing director of RRE. “By locating our modular data centers at Nordcon’s production sites, we gain access to reliable, cost-effective natural gas while helping Nordcon monetize their gas production in new ways.”

Nordcon President Garry Mihaichuk said the approach enables greater participation in the value chain than traditional gas sales into commodity markets. “Rather than simply selling gas, we’re participating all the way through to computing services,” he said. “This partnership opens up entirely new revenue opportunities for our production assets.”

The data centers will use hydrocooled technology to support power-dense computing, with on-site power generation feeding directly into the racks. Locating compute capacity at the well site also eliminates transmission losses and minimizes additional grid interconnection requirements. Because the centers are designed as modular units, the model can be replicated at other Nordcon locations as operations grow.

RRE said the initial 3 MW deployment represents the first phase of a planned multi-site collaboration. As Nordcon expands production and RRE scales its computing portfolio, additional modular units could be added at other locations across Western Canada.

RRE develops energy infrastructure projects, including hybrid power solutions and data center operations. The company and its affiliates manage more than 2 GW of wind and solar capacity globally. Nordcon is a natural gas producer focused on maximizing the long-term value of its upstream assets through operational efficiency and strategic partnerships.