Energy Secretary Chris Wright emphasized that leveraging DOE land for these projects is a significant step towards advancing U.S. leadership in AI and energy, comparing it to the historic Manhattan Project.

The decision to include the Paducah site follows a formal recommendation from the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant Citizens Advisory Board, which was supported by over 20 organizations.

Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell praised the selection of Paducah, highlighting its historical significance in national security and the community's readiness to support the DOE's initiatives.

Operations at the selected sites are anticipated to begin by 2027.

The U.S. Department of Energy has announced the selection of four sites for developing artificial intelligence data centers and energy generation projects, including the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant in Kentucky.

The other selected sites are the Idaho National Laboratory, Oak Ridge Reservation, and the Savannah River Site, all chosen for their potential to support AI infrastructure.

These sites will be the first federal locations to partner with private industry in establishing AI data centers and energy generation projects.

The initiatives are expected to enhance grid reliability, bolster national security, and reduce energy costs.

President Trump has prioritized AI development through an executive order aimed at maintaining U.S. global dominance in AI for economic competitiveness and national security.

The initiative to utilize federal land for data centers was initially proposed by the Biden Administration and has continued under the Trump Administration.

Further details regarding project scope, eligibility, and submission guidelines will be released by the DOE in the coming months, with partner selection expected by the end of 2025.

The Oak Ridge site is particularly well-suited for future nuclear infrastructure development due to its existing transmission lines and proximity to a proposed Small Modular Reactor site.