US government data centers are primarily powered through a combination of the commercial electric power grid and on-site backup generators. Currently, there are no specific, dedicated, operational "power plants" that exclusively serve the existing network of US federal data centers in an on-grid capacity; they draw from the existing utility grid's energy mix, which includes natural gas, nuclear, and renewables, among other sources.
However, the Department of Energy (DOE) is actively pursuing initiatives to co-locate new AI-focused data centers with energy generation infrastructure on federal lands. The goal is to partner with private companies to develop cutting-edge data centers and new, dedicated energy generation, including potentially new nuclear power or integrating with existing energy infrastructure at these sites.
Current
Power Sources
Most federal data centers operate like any other large facility, relying on standard power procurement methods:
Grid power: Electricity purchased from local utilities, drawing from the regional grid's diverse energy mix (e.g., natural gas, renewables, nuclear, coal).
On-site backup generation: Data centers routinely have on-site generators (typically diesel or natural gas) to provide emergency power during grid outages, ensuring continuous operation.
Future Initiatives: Co-location with New Generation
The
DOE has identified several sites as candidates for future data center and
on-site energy infrastructure development, aiming to bolster energy
independence and reliability for high-demand AI computing needs:
Idaho
National Laboratory
Oak
Ridge Reservation
Paducah
Gaseous Diffusion Plant
Savannah
River Site
Argonne
National Laboratory
National
Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
Fermilab
(Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory)
These projects will involve private sector partners developing dedicated, on-site energy generation, which could include new nuclear reactors or integrated renewable energy systems, rather than relying solely on the public grid or existing utility power plants.
In 2026, U.S. government data centers are increasingly powered through co-location with on-site or adjacent power plants on federal lands. This strategy, accelerated by 2025 executive orders, focuses on using nuclear, natural gas, and renewable energy to support growing artificial intelligence (AI) workloads.
Key Federal Sites for Data Center Power
As of 2026, the Department of Energy (DOE) has prioritized 16 federal sites for AI data center and energy infrastructure development. Four primary sites are currently moving forward with private sector partners for new generation projects:
Idaho National Laboratory (ID): A major hub for co-locating data centers with nuclear power and advanced reactor projects.
Oak Ridge Reservation (TN): Selected for its existing infrastructure and potential for large-scale energy generation.
Savannah River Site (SC): Utilizing federal land for integrated AI data center and power infrastructure.
Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant (KY): Identified as a high-priority site for new power generation and data center construction.
https://www.google.com/search?q=what+power+plants+are+operational+for+us+government+data+centers
Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader
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