Overview

• The U.S. Department of Energy has designated 16 federal sites, including national laboratories like Los Alamos and Oak Ridge, for AI data center and power plant development.
• The initiative builds on a Biden-era executive order to expand AI infrastructure, with the Trump administration narrowing the focus to nuclear energy as the main power source.
• The DOE plans to fast-track permitting processes, utilizing existing energy infrastructure to accelerate construction timelines.
• Private sector input and public feedback are being sought to facilitate the development, with a goal of beginning operations by late 2027.
• AI-driven energy demand is projected to grow significantly, with data centers potentially consuming up to 12% of U.S. electricity by 2028.