Kentucky uranium plant AI data center
Analysis based on 24 articles · First reported Jul 29, 2026 · Last updated Jul 31, 2026
The project signals a major investment in AI infrastructure and power generation, boosting demand for natural gas, battery storage, and data center equipment. It is expected to benefit NextEra Energy and Brookfield, while also highlighting the growing electricity demand from AI data centers and the role of federal land in facilitating such developments.
The U.S. Department of Energy selected Brookfield Asset Management to develop and operate a $100 billion AI data center campus at the former United States — Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant in United States — Kentucky. NextEra Energy will build and own power generation components, including 2 GW of natural gas-fired generation, 2.6 GW of battery storage, and transmission upgrades, to support a 1.8 GW data center. The project is part of the Trump administration's effort to repurpose federal land for AI infrastructure and is expected to create about 8,000 construction jobs and 600 permanent jobs. Construction is expected to be complete by 2031-2032, with initial operations beginning in 2028. The coalition also includes Big Rivers Electric Corporation., Jackson Purchase Energy Cooperative, and Paducah Power System. The power service agreement requires approval by the Kentucky — Kentucky Public Service Commission. Environmental groups, including Protect McCracken County and the Kentucky Resources Council, have raised concerns about the project's impact on water and climate. The DOE has also announced similar projects at the United States — Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant in United States — Ohio and the United States — Savannah River Site in United States — North Carolina.
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