The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) has announced a request for proposals due Dec. 5 for a leasing and construction opportunity at Savannah River Site near Aiken, Barnwell and Allendale counties in South Carolina.
NNSA designated 10 tracts totaling 3,103 acres from 310 square miles of federal land for AI infrastructure. Savannah River Site is one of four sites that the Department of Energy has selected to align with President Trump’s Executive Order to rapidly create data and energy centers for AI development.
With a long-term leasing agreement, private partners would be responsible for permitting requirements and all the necessary tie-ins to utility connections. They would be design and construct the infrastructure and facilities for the data center. These partners would maintain and operate the facility, which will develop artificial intelligence, along with new energy generation and storage. They would also decommission the site after the project is complete.
Previous solicitations have been made for Idaho and Oak Ridge sites. Idaho site’s application submissions are due Nov. 7. Oak Ridge submissions are due Dec. 1.
Submissions for any of these projects will be evaluated on elements like technology readiness, financial viability and regulatory plans. Although this is not a grant opportunity, there are several pathways to savings for investors through tax credits and financing, or other incentives.
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