Kentucky Announces $100 Billion AI Energy Hub Project
The planned Paducah campus would pair 1.8 gigawatts of computing capacity with new gas-fired power and battery storage.
Key takeaways
- The Department of Energy announced a $100 billion private investment for a Western Kentucky energy and AI hub.
- Brookfield plans a 1.8-gigawatt data center, while NextEra would develop gas-fired power and battery storage.
The U.S. Department of Energy announced a planned $100 billion private investment to develop an AI and energy hub at a former uranium enrichment site in Western Kentucky. The phased project is targeted for completion in 2032.
Brookfield Asset Management was selected to build a 1.8-gigawatt data center campus for artificial intelligence and high-performance computing. NextEra Energy is set to develop 2 gigawatts of natural gas-fired generation and 2.6 gigawatts of battery storage.
The project is expected to create about 8,000 construction jobs and 600 permanent operations jobs. Its dedicated power supplies are designed to send excess energy to the regional grid, while a closed-loop cooling system would recirculate water and limit outside use.
This article was produced with the help of AI technology. Based on reporting by the outlets listed above.
