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NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedJuly 30, 2026United States

Federal Government to Convert Kentucky Uranium Site into AI Data Center and Power Complex

The U.S. Department of Energy is partnering with private firms to transform the former Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant in Kentucky into a massive AI data center and natural gas power complex. The project, estimated at $100 billion, aims to support national AI development while utilizing a site currently undergoing long-term environmental cleanup.

artificial intelligenceenergyinfrastructureeconomic developmentenvironmental cleanupnational security
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Why It Matters

The project will create a major industrial complex in western Kentucky, involving a $100 billion investment, the construction of the state's largest gas-fired power plant, and ongoing environmental remediation efforts through 2065.

Key Facts

  • The project involves a $100 billion investment to build an AI data center and natural gas power complex at the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant.
  • The power complex will include 2 gigawatts of natural gas-fired generation and 2.6 gigawatts of battery storage to support a 1.8 gigawatt data center.
  • Construction is expected to be completed by 2031.
  • The site covers approximately 3,550 acres and is currently undergoing environmental cleanup projected to last until 2065 at a cost of $17 billion.
  • Brookfield Asset Management will develop and operate the data center, while NextEra Energy will own the power generation components.
  • The proposed power plant would be the largest gas-fired power plant in Kentucky.
  • The Paducah plant ceased uranium enrichment operations in 2013.
  • The Department of Energy is also pursuing similar AI data center projects at the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant in Ohio and the Savannah River Site in South Carolina.
  • A power service agreement for the project requires approval from state utility regulators.
  • The Department of Energy is exploring plans to re-enrich stored uranium waste at the site for use in power plants.

Who's Mentioned

organizationBrookfield Asset Management“Investment firm selected to develop and operate the data center.”organizationU.S. Department of Energy“Federal agency overseeing the project and site cleanup.”personChris Wright“Energy Secretary.”locationPaducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant“Former uranium enrichment site in Kentucky slated for redevelopment.”organizationKentucky Resources Council“Environmental and public health advocacy group.”organizationNextEra Energy“Partner responsible for building and owning power generation components.”personByron Gary“Senior attorney for the Kentucky Resources Council.”organizationProtect McCracken County“Local advocacy group raising questions about the project.”