US Department of Energy Calls for States to Host Nuclear Innovation Campuses, Eyes Data Center Synergy

DOE Seeks State Partners for Nuclear Innovation Hubs with Data Center Potential January 29, 2026 The US Department of Energy (DOE) has launched a significant initiative aimed at revitalizing the nation's nuclear energy sector and addressing the surging power demands of the digital economy. In a move that underscores the growing intersection of energy policy and digital infrastructure, the DOE has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to all US states, inviting expressions of interest in hosting new "Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses." The proposed campuses are envisioned as integrated hubs supporting the full nuclear fuel cycle, from fuel fabrication and enrichment to waste management. Crucially, the DOE explicitly stated that these sites could also host advanced reactor deployment, power generation, and be co-located with data centers, depending on state priorities and regional capabilities. This direct linkage aims to create a symbiotic relationship where next-generation nuclear power provides a reliable, low-carbon energy source for the power-intensive data center industry. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright framed the initiative as a cornerstone of national energy and economic strategy, stating, “Unleashing the next American nuclear renaissance will drive innovation, fuel economic growth, and create good-paying American jobs while delivering the affordable, reliable, and secure energy America needs to power its future.” The RFI process, with a submission deadline of April 1, 2026, asks states to outline their priorities, potential campus activities, and the necessary federal partnerships, funding structures, and incentives required for success. This call for state partnerships is part of a broader DOE push over the past year to accelerate nuclear development, partly in response to unprecedented demand from data center operators. In August 2025, the agency selected 11 advanced reactor projects for its pilot program, aiming to have at least three test reactors achieve criticality by July 4, 2026. Several companies in that cohort, including Deep Fission, Last Energy, Oklo, and Radiant, have already signed future power offtake agreements with major data center firms, signaling a strong market pull for nuclear-powered digital infrastructure. The establishment of these campuses could fundamentally reshape regional energy landscapes, offering states a pathway to economic diversification, technology leadership, and a direct role in powering the AI and cloud computing boom. By co-locating data centers with dedicated, advanced nuclear generation, the model promises to enhance grid stability and provide a scalable solution to the energy constraints currently challenging the rapid expansion of digital infrastructure. Source: datacenterdynamics