U.S. Energy Department Identifies 16 Sites for Future AI Data Centers
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced 16 federal locations that could host new AI data centers and related energy facilities. The initiative supports the country’s growing demand for artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure and energy capacity.
AI Growth Fuels Urgent Development Plans
On Thursday, the DOE issued a Request for Information (RFI) inviting feedback from stakeholders, including grid operators and developers. The goal is to gauge industry interest in fast-tracking projects that could be operational within two years.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright emphasised the urgency, calling the global AI race “the next Manhattan project.” He credited the initiative to both President Trump’s leadership and the capabilities of U.S. National Labs.
Currently, data centers consume roughly 4.5% of U.S. electricity. However, that figure could rise to 12% by 2028, according to the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project.
Aligning with Federal AI and Energy Strategies
The RFI follows a January announcement by President Trump to speed up power plant construction through an energy emergency declaration. It also resembles a previous executive order from former President Biden, which aimed to develop AI data centers using clean energy.
Although the RFI outlines energy development opportunities, it does not specify whether clean energy will power the new data centers.
The DOE is requesting input within 30 days of the RFI’s publication in the Federal Register. It seeks information on a range of topics, including power needs, development strategies, and co-location options for new energy generation and data centers.
Sites Ready for Rapid Development
Among the 16 sites mentioned, some are already positioned for quick development. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s Flatiron Campus can support a 100 MW data center with adequate land, water, power, and broadband. Construction could begin this year.
Meanwhile, the Argonne National Laboratory may host a future 1,000 MW AI “data park,” with potential operations starting by 2028.
The DOE aims for construction at some sites to start by the end of 2025, with operations to commence by the close of 2027.
with inputs from Reuters
