But actual details are limited.
The US Department of Energy (DOE) has announced the first four sites for AI data center developments on Federal land.
The department said that it invites private sector partners to develop at Idaho National Laboratory, Oak Ridge Reservation, Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant, and Savannah River Site. Developments are expected to include both data centers and related power infrastructure.
"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 US AI and energy leadership,” said Energy Secretary Chris Wright.
“These sites are uniquely positioned to host data centers as well as power generation to bolster grid reliability, strengthen our national security, and reduce energy costs.”
The move to open up Federal land for the data center sector was first pushed by the Biden Administration, and furthered by the Trump Administration.
This week, President Trump signed an executive order removing clean energy stipulations from the data center proposal, and instructed agencies to streamline environmental reviews and permitting for data centers and related infrastructure.
In April, the DOE said that it had 16 potential locations, including the four picked today.
At the time, it said that the DOE had "already performed extensive site characterization and permitting activities for new nuclear reactors" for the Idaho site.
As for the Oak Ridge location, the DOE said that there are 500KV transmission lines from local TVA hydro, nuclear, and fossil fuel generation plants. Additional onsite generation capacity is possible from a nearby regional natural gas distribution pipeline. The site is also located "approximately five miles from the proposed TVA Clinch River Small Modular Reactor (SMR) site, providing a future opportunity to capitalize on regional nuclear infrastructure up to 800MW in capacity."
The Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant has power and water, but is still in the midst of an environmental cleanup program as the plant was used to produce low-enriched uranium.
Few details were given about the Savannah River site, where tritium is processed.
More details regarding each project's scope, eligibility requirements, and submission guidelines are forthcoming. Solicitations are expected to be released in the coming months, with partners potentially selected by the end of the year.
The DOE is still evaluating additional sites for development. The DoD and other departments with land are also looking at their portfolio for potential data center, power, or semiconductor projects.
