The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced the selection of four federal sites to host next-generation AI data centers and energy infrastructure, advancing the Trump administration’s push to harness federal lands for national innovation and security.
The selected sites—Idaho National Laboratory, Oak Ridge Reservation (Tennessee), Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant (Kentucky), and Savannah River Site (South Carolina)—will now begin planning to host private-sector partnerships for data center development and clean energy generation.
“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.
The announcement follows President Trump’s executive orders aimed at streamlining federal permitting for data center infrastructure, accelerating deployment of advanced nuclear technologies, and expanding domestic energy production. These efforts are intended to reduce energy costs, strengthen grid reliability, and give the U.S. a competitive edge in global AI development.
in addition, the DOE’s April request for information (RFI) generated strong interest from industry, informing site selection based on land availability, energy capacity, and infrastructure readiness. The agency emphasized that all projects will involve collaboration with states, local governments, and federally recognized tribes.
The upcoming solicitations, expected in the coming months, will provide specific project scopes, eligibility criteria, and submission guidelines. Therefore, partners could be selected by year’s end, with additional DOE sites under review for future opportunities.
Consequently, the initiative highlights a strategic fusion of energy policy and emerging technologies, aiming to propel U.S. leadership in both fields. DOE said it welcomes participation from data center developers, energy companies, and the public to ensure these high-impact projects benefit local communities and advance national priorities.
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