Federal AI Power Projects Announced but No Contracts Signed Yet
The U.S. government revealed two gigawatt-scale AI data-center power plans within nine days, yet neither includes a binding agreement to build the facilities.
The National Nuclear Security Administration disclosed that Amentum will enter talks to lease land at the Savannah River Site for a 1-GW AI data center and roughly 2 GW of on-site generation, but the selection does not constitute a final lease award and no financial terms have been released. Shortly after, the Department of Energy listed Brookfield and NextEra Energy as collaborators on a Paducah, Kentucky campus described as a 1.8-GW project with up to 2.6 GW of battery storage, yet the power service agreement still requires approval from the Kentucky Public Service Commission and lacks definitive documentation.
Both sites are part of a four-site federal AI power program that also includes Idaho and Oak Ridge, which have yet to announce partners. The announcements highlight a gap between projected gigawatt capacity and actual contractual or construction obligations, leaving the cost and delivery of the power uncertain for utilities, regulators, and ratepayers.
Why it matters
Without signed deals, the promised AI power may never materialize, affecting grid planning and consumer electricity costs.
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