Renewable Energy World
Summary
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is entertaining the idea of using federal lands for artificial intelligence (AI) data center development with co-located power generation facilities.
This month, the DOE’s Office of Policy released a Request for Information (RFI) seeking to learn more about using 16 research sites, like the Idaho National Laboratory, Los Alamos National Laboratory, and National Renewable Energy Laboratory, to support growing data center demand. Each location features in-place energy infrastructure and could fast-track permitting for new generation, including nuclear, according to the DOE. Being able to partner with the DOE’s world-class research facilities on-site will give interested parties the opportunity to further advance both power systems design and next-generation data center hardware, the feds contend.
The DOE wants to hear from data center developers, energy project developers, and the broader public to inform development, encourage private-public partnerships, and enable the construction of AI infrastructure at select DOE sites with a target of commencing operation by the end of 2027. The RFI aims to gather information on potential development approaches, technology solutions, operational models, and economic considerations associated with establishing AI infrastructure.
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