U.S. Government Announces Two Gigawatt-Scale AI Power Projects

The U.S. government announced two gigawatt-scale AI power projects within a nine-day window, marking a federal push to integrate high-capacity computing with energy generation. Neither project has reached a final signed agreement, reflecting a trend where large-scale announcements precede firm commercial obligations and permits.

On July 20, the National Nuclear Security Administration selected Amentum to negotiate a lease for a 1 gigawatt AI data center and 2 gigawatts of generation at the Savannah River Site in South Carolina. Amentum is tasked with building and operating the phased project at its own cost.

On July 29, the Department of Energy partnered with Brookfield and NextEra Energy to develop a 1.8 gigawatt campus at the Paducah site in Kentucky. This project involves over $100 billion in projected private investment and includes planned grid-connected gas and battery storage expected by 2031. However, the project still requires approval from the Kentucky Public Service Commission.

These initiatives are part of a broader four-site federal program that also includes the Oak Ridge Reservation and the Idaho National Laboratory.