The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced a public-private partnership to redevelop portions of its Paducah Site in western Kentucky into an artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing campus supported by new power generation, transmission upgrades, and battery storage. The project involves Brookfield, NextEra Energy, Big Rivers Electric Power Corporation, Jackson Purchase Energy Cooperative, and Paducah Power System, with more than $100 billion in private investment expected.

Plans call for a 1.8-gigawatt computing campus supported by 2 gigawatts of natural gas-fired power generation and up to 2.6 gigawatts of battery energy storage. Brookfield plans to develop and operate the data center campus, while NextEra Energy plans to build and own the dedicated energy infrastructure, including transmission upgrades. The project is designed to meet the campus’s electricity needs while allowing surplus power to enter the regional grid.

The development is expected to create approximately 8,000 construction jobs and 600 permanent positions, with construction projected to be completed in 2031. The power service agreement remains subject to approval by the Kentucky Public Service Commission. The project reflects growing efforts to expand U.S. electricity capacity as AI applications and data centers drive demand for reliable, round-the-clock power.

The redevelopment also highlights how existing federal sites can support large-scale technology and energy investments. With land, transmission capacity, water infrastructure, and fiber connectivity already available, the Paducah Site offers a foundation for an integrated computing and energy development. As the project progresses, its implementation will illustrate how power generation, grid infrastructure, and energy storage can be developed alongside expanding AI computing demand.