The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has designated four federal sites—Idaho National Laboratory, Oak Ridge Reservation (Tennessee), Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant (Kentucky), and the Savannah River Site (South Carolina)—for the development of AI data center and energy infrastructure projects. The move aligns with recent Executive Orders from President Trump that prioritize accelerated permitting for data centers, advanced nuclear deployment, and expanded energy production on federal lands.
The selected DOE properties will host forthcoming solicitations to attract private sector developers for projects that combine AI compute infrastructure with localized power generation. According to the agency, these sites offer the land availability, grid access, and security posture required for such high-demand facilities. The initiative aims to reduce energy costs, enhance grid reliability, and solidify U.S. leadership in AI infrastructure.
DOE expects to release site-specific solicitations later this year. These will include details on project scope, eligibility, and submission guidelines. The agency is also evaluating other DOE-owned sites for future solicitations and will consult with state, local, and tribal stakeholders throughout the process.
- Four sites selected: Idaho National Laboratory, Oak Ridge Reservation, Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant, and Savannah River Site
- Initiative backed by Trump Executive Orders on AI infrastructure, permitting reform, and advanced energy deployment
- Projects will integrate AI data centers with new energy generation facilities
- DOE to release solicitations in coming months; partners could be selected by end of year
- Additional DOE sites under review for potential future development
“By leveraging DOE land assets for the deployment of AI and energy infrastructure, we are taking a bold step to accelerate the next Manhattan Project—ensuring U.S. AI and energy leadership,” said Energy Secretary Chris Wright.
🌐 Why it Matters: This initiative stems from an Executive Order signed by President Trump earlier this year directing federal agencies to identify sites for AI data center development and streamline permitting processes. By pairing AI workloads with localized energy generation on DOE lands, the U.S. is creating sovereign, high-performance infrastructure that supports national security, reduces reliance on strained grids, and reindustrializes federal land assets for the AI era.
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