Trump Administration Identifies 16 Sites for AI-Powered Data Centers and Power Plants
The administration of President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that it has pinpointed 16 potential locations on U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) lands for the development of data centers and power plants to support the expanding artificial intelligence (AI) industry.
Why This Matters
The surge in AI technology is driving the first major increase in U.S. power demand in two decades, prompting Big Tech and utility companies to accelerate data center and power plant construction. The DOE noted that these selected sites have existing energy infrastructure, enabling faster permitting for new power sources, including nuclear reactors. However, it remains unclear how nuclear power—which is regulated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission—could be expedited.
Key Statement
"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," said Energy Secretary Chris Wright, referencing the top-secret World War II program that developed the first nuclear weapon.
Background
As a major land manager, the DOE oversees numerous federal sites, including:
- Idaho National Laboratory
- Former uranium enrichment facilities in Paducah, Kentucky and Portsmouth, Ohio
Under former President Joe Biden, the DOE had already identified sites in Washington, Nevada, and South Carolina for potential clean energy projects, such as solar, wind, and nuclear power. Many of these sites required environmental cleanup due to contamination from Cold War-era nuclear weapons development.
What’s Next?
The DOE is seeking input from data center developers, energy companies, and the public to establish public-private partnerships for AI infrastructure. The goal is to begin construction and have these facilities operational by late 2027.
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