US DOE to Boost AI Development by Co-Locating Data Centers on Federal Land
The US Department of Energy (DOE) has unveiled an initiative to strengthen America’s global leadership in artificial intelligence (AI) and reduce energy costs by hosting data centers alongside new energy infrastructure on DOE-owned lands. To kick-start this effort, the DOE has issued a Request for Information (RFI), inviting public input on the potential use of federal sites for AI infrastructure development.
The department has pinpointed 16 prime locations well-suited for quick data center construction, offering existing energy infrastructure and fast-track permitting for new power generation facilities, including nuclear energy.
Public-Private Partnerships at the Core
Aligned with President Trump’s Executive Orders on bolstering American leadership in AI and expanding domestic energy production, the DOE aims to accelerate AI and energy infrastructure growth nationwide. The department plans to foster strong public-private partnerships, promoting the deployment of cutting-edge technologies and strategies.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright said, “The global race for AI dominance is the next Manhattan project, and with President Trump’s leadership and the innovation of our National Labs, the United States can and will win.”
He added, “With today’s action, the Department of Energy is taking important steps to leverage our domestic resources to power the AI revolution, while continuing to deliver affordable, reliable and secure energy to the American people.”
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Opportunity for Industry and Research Collaboration
Through this RFI, the DOE is calling on data center developers, energy producers, and the general public to contribute ideas that will shape the development of AI-ready infrastructure. The feedback will help inform project designs, facilitate industry collaboration, and pave the way for operational data centers at DOE sites by 2027.
Developers could benefit from the proximity to DOE’s advanced research laboratories, enhancing innovations in power system design and creating next-generation data center hardware. The DOE has included details about each potential site, covering location, available land, and other relevant features in the RFI appendices.
In addition to site-specific insights, the department is seeking recommendations on various development strategies, advanced technologies, operational models, and economic factors linked to establishing AI hubs on federal property.
