The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced that the Oak Ridge Reservation, located in Roane and Anderson County, Tennessee, has been selected as one of four federal sites for the development of next-generation AI data centers and clean energy infrastructure. This groundbreaking initiative represents a major federal investment in the future of artificial intelligence, energy reliability, and technological advancement.

This selection underscores Roane County’s vital role in the nation’s energy future and affirms the strategic importance of our longstanding partnerships with the Department of Energy and Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Roane County Executive Wade Creswell, who has been deeply engaged in nuclear energy collaboration and federal partnerships, will continue to actively work with DOE leadership to represent local interests as this initiative moves forward.

“Roane County has been a trusted partner in nuclear science, innovation, and energy infrastructure for decades,” said County Executive Wade Creswell. “This announcement affirms the national significance of our region and opens the door to meaningful economic growth, technological advancement, and long-term infrastructure investment. We are honored to play a central role in shaping this future.”

About the Initiative

• The Oak Ridge Reservation was selected alongside DOE sites in Idaho, Kentucky, and South Carolina.

• The DOE will release Requests for Proposals (RFPs) later this year, with selected partners announced by late 2025.

• Proposed developments will include high-capacity AI data centers paired with on-site clean energy generation, potentially including advanced nuclear technologies.

What This Means for Roane County

• Strategic Economic Development: New career opportunities, workforce training, and private investment potential across advanced energy and technology sectors.

• Energy & Infrastructure Modernization: Enhancements to local power systems, broadband, and grid resilience to support large-scale innovation.

• National Recognition: Reinforces Roane County’s leadership in energy security and innovation at the federal level.

Roane County will remain an active partner in this process, ensuring that our local community is engaged, prepared, and positioned to benefit from this historic opportunity.

For more details, visit the U.S. Department of Energy’s announcement.