Private Team Aims to Build $100B Data Center-Power Megaproject on Federal Site
The U.S. Department of Energy says selected firms will pursue a $100B data center power megaproject on a former federal uranium enrichment site. NextEra plans 2 GW of new gas generation, transmission upgrades, and up to 2.6 GW battery storage, with utility partners Big Rivers Electric, Jackson Purchase, and Paducah Power. Construction is targeted for 2031, pending Kentucky PSC approval.
How this was made

The 30-second read
Why it matters
DOE selected firms for a high-speed computing and data-center power project using clusters of powerful computers, with NextEra tasked with generation, transmission upgrades, and battery deployment; power service requires Kentucky PSC approval.
Market read
A large, multi-asset grid buildout plan tied to data centers is announced, but monetization timing hinges on PSC approval and undisclosed tenant demand.
What to watch
Key gating items are PSC approval, interconnection and permitting, and whether the data-center tenant pipeline materializes before 2031 completion.
Background
The site’s uranium enrichment history (1952 to 2013) left existing transmission and water infrastructure, with DOE cleanup continuing until 2065.
Ticker impact
NextEra is named to develop 2 GW of new gas generation, upgrade transmission, and deploy up to 2.6 GW of battery storage for the DOE data-center power project.
Limited near-term impact; any stock reaction would likely be sentiment-driven until contract terms, PSC approval, and tenant commitments are disclosed.
The piece is a project announcement with scope and timing (2031) but no disclosed funding, incentives, or contractor/tenant details, reducing immediate earnings visibility.
AEP Ohio is referenced as a partner in an earlier DOE public-private partnership to build 10 GW of generation for data center development at a former uranium enrichment site.
Low incremental impact; traders may view it as supportive of pipeline visibility rather than a fresh, monetizable catalyst.
The only AEP mention is in the context of an earlier DOE partnership, not a new award, contract, or approval tied to AEP in this article.
Market effects
Highlights demand for grid-connected generation and large-scale battery storage tied to data-center expansion on federal sites.
Kentucky-focused buildout depends on Kentucky Public Service Commission approval and regional utility distribution partners.
Reinforces US policy push for private tech and energy development on federal land with existing infrastructure.
Counterpoint
Without disclosed contract terms, tenant commitments, or federal incentives, the announcement may not translate into near-term earnings for named utilities.
Key entities
- companyNextEra
Develops 2 GW of new gas generation, upgrades transmission, and deploys up to 2.6 GW of battery storage for the data-center campus power plan.
- government_agencyU.S. Department of Energy
Announced the July 30 project selection and frames it as a public-private development effort on a federal site.
- regulatorKentucky Public Service Commission
Must approve the power service agreement before excess energy is delivered to the regional grid.
- utilityBig Rivers Electric Power Corp.
Named as a cooperative utility partner providing wholesale and distribution services.
- utilityJackson Purchase Energy Cooperative
Named as a cooperative utility partner providing wholesale and distribution services.



