The US National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) has officially issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the construction and operation of major Artificial Intelligence data centers, signalling a strong push for pairing next-generation computing with advanced nuclear energy.
The proposals are sought for vast tracts of land at two historic nuclear locations: the Savannah River Site in South Carolina and the Oak Ridge Reservation in Tennessee.
“On July 24, 2025, Secretary Wright and DOE announced the site selection for AI Data Center and energy infrastructure development on federal lands,” said the NNSA in a press release.
“Savannah River Site is one of four sites identified by the Department of Energy (DOE) for AI infrastructure and generation projects on federal land.”
In a move to bolster American leadership in both AI and energy, the NNSA is seeking private sector partners to develop the massive infrastructure projects.
The solicitation specifically encourages bidders to incorporate “innovative and/or on-site energy generation, such as advanced nuclear reactor technology, and storage solutions.”
Creating reliable source of power
This aligns with the Department of Energy’s goals for creating reliable, energy-efficient, and water-conscious operations to power the voracious energy demands of AI.
Under Secretary for Nuclear Security and NNSA Administrator Brandon Williams highlighted the strategic importance of the initiative.
“Today’s solicitation is a great example of public-private partnership that accelerates scientific research to solve today’s challenges and strengthens U.S. leadership in AI and energy infrastructure,” Williams stated.
At the Savannah River Site (SRS), a sprawling 310-square-mile complex, ten specific tracts of land totaling 3,103 acres (1,256 hectares) have been identified for potential development.
A competitive evaluation process
The NNSA specified that the chosen private partners will be fully responsible for the entire lifecycle of each project, including building, operating, and ultimately decommissioning the facilities.
A critical requirement for any proposal is that partners must secure their own utility interconnection agreements.
Proposals will undergo a competitive evaluation process, scrutinized for their technological readiness, financial viability, and the thoroughness of their plans to meet all regulatory and permitting requirements.
A storied history
The Savannah River Site, located in Aiken, South Carolina, has a storied history. From the early 1950s until the end of the Cold War, its primary mission was producing plutonium and tritium for the US nuclear weapons arsenal.
Since 1992, its focus has shifted to environmental cleanup, nuclear materials management, and serving as a hub for research and development, hosting the Savannah River National Laboratory.
The new initiative aims to write the next chapter for the site, positioning it at the forefront of the digital and clean energy revolutions.
Notably, there is a growing demand for nuclear power to meet the energy needs of AI.