Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant Named Finalist for AI Data Center and Energy Infrastructure Initiative

Greater Paducah Economic Development (GPED) is proud to announce that the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant has been selected by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) as one of four finalist sites nationwide to host AI Data Center and Energy Infrastructure projects. 

The site selection is part of the Trump Administration’s broader strategy to accelerate the development of AI infrastructure by utilizing DOE-managed lands. This initiative stems from a series of Executive Orders, including Accelerating Federal Permitting of Data Center Infrastructure, Deploying Advanced Nuclear Reactor Technologies for National Security, and Unleashing American Energy. These efforts aim to lower energy costs and secure America’s leadership in the global AI race.

In addition to Paducah, other finalist sites include Idaho National Laboratory, Oak Ridge Reservation, and Savannah River Site. The DOE noted in its announcement, “The chosen locations are well-situated for large-scale data centers, new power generation, and other necessary infrastructure.”

Bruce Wilcox, President and CEO of GPED, shared the following remarks:

On May 7th we submitted a community letter of interest and support to the Department of Energy, which included support from our national congressional delegation, state delegation, local elected leadership, utility partners, and community organizations. Paducah has unique asset offerings unlike most any other community in the United States, making us an optimal location for projects of this nature. We have unparalleled electrical infrastructure, access to significant amounts of additional natural gas capacity, a strong fiber network, and a strong labor force with a supply chain to grow our labor force even more. We have also designated our community as a nuclear-friendly community with a unified vision to be a world leader as we work with prospective nuclear companies from the enrichment process all the way through the supply chain to power generation. As a community, we are unified, and we welcome capital investment, economic development, and job growth in our community. We are thrilled the Department of Energy has recognized our community’s unified vision, asset offerings, and “can-do” attitude to be one of the four preferred sites to partner with them as we pursue America’s global AI dominance.

GPED will continue to work closely with the Department of Energy as it engages with private-sector data center developers, energy providers, and community representatives—including state and local governments and federally recognized tribes. Additional details are expected to be announced in the coming months, with project partner selections potentially finalized by the end of the year.

GPED extends its sincere thanks to the Department of Energy for selecting Paducah as a finalist. We are also deeply grateful to the federal, state, and local leaders; our utility and industry partners; and the countless community stakeholders whose collaboration, vision, and commitment have helped position Paducah as a competitive location for transformative infrastructure projects.

More Information:

DOE Announces Site Selection for AI Data Center and Energy Infrastructure Development on Federal Lands