DOE Selects Savannah River Site in South Carolina for AI Data Center and Energy Infrastructure Development

The U.S. Department of Energy has selected the Savannah River Site (SRS) in South Carolina as one of four federal locations to host new artificial intelligence?ready data centers and associated energy generation infrastructure.

Among the four selected sites are Idaho National Laboratory, Oak Ridge Reservation in Tennessee, Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant in Kentucky, and the Savannah River Site in South Carolina.

DOE’s announcement follows an April Request for Information from the White House identifying 16 potential Department?owned sites for AI data center build?out. The agency evaluated thousands of acres of federal land focusing on areas able to support rapid construction and co?located power infrastructure.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the selections are part of a strategy to “accelerate the next Manhattan Project,” citing strong suitability for hosting data centers alongside power generation to boost grid reliability, enhance national security, and reduce energy costs.

DOE plans to invite private sector partners to develop cutting?edge AI data centers and energy projects at SRS and the other sites. Solicitations are expected in the coming months, with partner selections potentially complete by the end of 2025.

While limited details have been released specifically for Savannah River, DOE emphasized that all four sites are “well?situated for large?scale data centers, new power generation, and other necessary infrastructure.” DOE further stated that it will consult with local governments, federally recognized tribes, and the public during project planning.

These developments align with the Trump administration’s executive orders issued in July, which aim to streamline federal permitting for data center infrastructure, promote advanced nuclear reactor deployment, and leverage federal land for energy?AI development.

Construction on selected sites, including SRS, was initially projected to begin as early as late 2025, with targeted completion set for the end of 2027. DOE noted that additional federal sites may be evaluated in the future, potentially expanding this initiative beyond the initial four locations.

Background: Savannah River Site

• Location: The Savannah River Site spans approximately 310 square miles in Aiken, Allendale, and Barnwell counties, about 25 miles southeast of Augusta, Georgia.
• History: Established in the early 1950s for the production of plutonium and tritium for national defense during the Cold War. It remains an active DOE reservation, employing over 10,000 individuals.