DOE Selects Four Federal Sites for AI Data Hubs

The U.S. Department of Energy is converting sections of its federal land portfolio into strategic hubs for AI-enabled data centers and advanced energy infrastructure. This initiative aligns with the priorities of President Donald Trump to maintain American leadership in AI and energy generation.

Secretary Chris Wright selected four development sites in July 2025 following a spring Request for Information. The chosen locations include the Idaho National Laboratory, the Oak Ridge Reservation, the Savannah River Site in South Carolina, and the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant in Kentucky. These sites provide a range of capacities, from the 44,000 acres at Idaho National Laboratory to the 3 gigawatts of potential energy production at the Paducah plant.

Between September and October 2025, the department issued solicitations for integrated projects, showing a preference for nuclear and geothermal technologies to ensure secure baseload electricity. Under the terms of the initiative, project developers are responsible for the construction, operation, and decommissioning of infrastructure using "as is, where is" lease terms while managing federal permitting and interconnection requirements.