The Savannah River Site data center project by the D.O.E has been awarded to engineering firm Amentum as lease negotiations commence. The proposal calls for a 1-gigawatt data center supported by about 2 gigawatts of on-site power generation. It will start with natural gas and later shifting to nuclear energy. Federal officials say tying the facility to its own power source is meant to keep the project from driving up electric bills for existing utility customers.

NNSA Administrator Brandon Williams said the project is intended to boost U.S. leadership in AI. It will also expand reliable energy production and support national security while making “productive use of federal land” through a public-private partnership. The effort is part of the Trump administration’s broader push to use federal property for energy-intensive AI infrastructure. Moreover, it aims to speed up permitting for data centers and advanced nuclear projects. Other major projects include the greenlit DC BLOX data center campus in Indianapolis. However, the project had to undergo a scale back for officials to approve the project.

Outlook on the Savannah River Site Data Center by D.O.E

The Savannah River Site is a massive complex tied to the nation’s nuclear defense and data center development. It is one of four federal sites the Department of Energy cleared last year to move ahead with private-sector proposals for AI data centers and associated energy projects. However, Amentum being selected for negotiations does not guarantee a final deal. Any lease will depend on successful talks, environmental and safety reviews, security evaluations, permits and other federal approvals.

Energy officials say more details on the project and the lease talks will be released as they become available. In terms of power, the site currently has access to several 115kV lines and a 20MW DOE-owned biomass combined cycle plant. These include two commercially owned 75MW solar power generation facilities with BESS currently in development. Moreover, there are operations scheduled for 2029. The move to open up Federal land for the data center sector was first pushed by the Biden administration and furthered by the Trump administration.

Project Overview

• Location: Savannah River Site, South Carolina
• Developer: U.S. Department of Energy
• Preferred Partner: Amentum
• Status: Lease negotiations underway

Scope

• 1GW AI data center
• 2GW on-site power generation
• Natural gas to nuclear transition
• Also public-private partnership project

Project Highlights

• Supports AI infrastructure
• Strengthens national security
• Uses federal land
• Independent power supply also planned

Key Developments

• Amentum selected for negotiations
• Environmental reviews also pending
• Federal approvals still required
• More project details also to follow

Power Infrastructure

• Existing 115kV transmission lines
• Also 20MW biomass plant on site
• Two 75MW solar projects planned
• Battery storage also included

Outlook

• Lease talks are also ongoing
• Project also remains subject to approvals
• Supports U.S. AI and energy goals
• Could also become a major federal AI hub