AI and energy infrastructureThe U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced plans to boost America’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) leadership while reducing energy costs by co-locating data centres with new energy infrastructure on DOE lands
This initiative revealed through a recent Request for Information (RFI), hopes to support the growing demand for AI-driven data centres by using existing energy resources and fast-tracking the development of new infrastructure.
16 potential sites for rapid data centre development
The DOE has identified 16 potential sites across the country that are set for the rapid construction of data centres. These locations are strategically chosen due to their proximity to established energy infrastructure, which will help reduce construction time and costs.
The DOE can expedite permits for new energy generation, including nuclear energy, to ensure that the necessary power is available for these advanced facilities.
This plan aligns with the goals set by President Trump’s Executive Orders on Artificial Intelligence and Energy. These directives call for removing barriers to innovation and accelerating the development of AI and energy infrastructure in the U.S. The DOE’s new plan represents a strong effort to create public-private partnerships that can drive the growth of both industries in tandem, ensuring that the U.S. remains competitive on the global stage.
As demand for AI grows worldwide, data centres are expected to play a key role in supporting the massive computational power needed to drive AI advancements.
The DOE’s initiative aims to meet this demand by fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors to create an environment conducive to rapid innovation. The partnership between energy developers and data centre operators is key to achieving these ambitious goals.
The identified sites offer the necessary land and energy infrastructure and present opportunities for collaboration with some of the nation’s most advanced research facilities.
Co-locating data centres on DOE-managed sites will allow developers to tap into the expertise of the DOE’s national laboratories. These labs are at the forefront of energy technology research, and their involvement could help accelerate the development of next-generation data centre hardware and power systems.
Seeking industry input to refine the plan
The DOE is also seeking input from industry stakeholders, including data centre developers, energy companies, and the public, to refine the approach and ensure that the initiative meets the needs of all parties’ needs. The information collected through the RFI will help shape the development strategy for these AI infrastructure hubs, to launch the first operational centres by the end of 2027.
By tapping into its vast network of resources and expertise, the DOE hopes to help the U.S. lead the way in AI while maintaining a steady supply of affordable, reliable energy. These data centres will power AI’s growth and contribute to the nation’s energy security and long-term sustainability.
This initiative is a key part of a wider plan to use the potential of emerging technologies, and it shows the importance of collaboration between the government and private sectors in achieving national goals.
Innovation: U.S. Leadership in AI and energy infrastructure
As AI becomes an increasingly integral part of the global economy, the U.S. will remain at the forefront of this technological revolution, driving innovation and creating jobs.
The RFI is now open, and the DOE invites all interested parties to provide feedback and ideas to help shape this important project. The department is committed to ensuring that these new AI infrastructure hubs will meet the growing demands of the future while continuing to provide the energy solutions that Americans rely on daily.
