Nate Dimelfi
Nate Dimelfi serves as a Senior Research Analyst for McAllister and Quinn’s Advanced Technology practice. He assists with business development initiatives for prospective clients, writing memos, and fulfills other needs of the Advanced Technology project managers, directors, executives, and clients.
Following the Idaho National Lab Opportunity, DOE Releases New Request for AI Integrated Nuclear and Energy Innovation Projects at Oak Ridge; Paducah and Savannah River Sites to Come
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has released a new Request for Proposal (RFP) through the Office of Environmental Management and Office of Science. This opens the door for U.S. companies to develop AI-powered data centers and clean energy infrastructure at the Oak Ridge Reservation in Tennessee. This RFP is the second of four land-lease opportunities to be issued by the DOE for AI Data Center and Energy Infrastructure Development on selected federal sites alongside: Idaho National Lab (INL), and Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant, and Savannah River. This initiative is part of the DOE’s broader strategy to advance artificial intelligence, nuclear energy, and geothermal technologies on federal lands. Applications are due December 1st, 2025.
Site Topography Details
- Site Area A: Office of Science: AI Data Center Only – 95+/- Acres
- Site Area B: Office of Environmental Management: AI Data Center and/or Energy Generation Infrastructure Facility. – 150+/- Acres
The DOE is interested in proposals that fall under the following three project configurations:
Integrated Data Center and Energy Projects: Eligible projects must encompass both Site Area A and Site Area B, or only utilize Site Area B.
Phased Integrated AI Data Center and Energy Projects: Identical to the Integrated Configuration’s requirements but includes an initial phase that prioritizes deploying a data center first to meet near-term demand, followed by later phases of additional capacity and energy generation.
Energy Infrastructure Projects: Focus specifically on energy generation, transmission, or storage infrastructure for Site Area B only.
DOE Encourages Applicants to Leverage LPO and GDO Support for Project Funding How to fund the project
The DOE will not provide financial support if selected for this AI Data center Infrastructure and Energy Generation RFP ; the awardee is responsible for all costs associated with the project and its construction. For applicants requiring assistance financing their project, the solicitation highlights two potential in-agency avenues: the DOE Loan Programs Office and the DOE Grid Deployment Office. For additional information on these financial assistance pathways, see McAllister and Quinn’s previous INL opportunity blogpost: DOE Offers Long-Term Leasing at INL for AI-Integrated Nuclear and Energy Innovation Projects.
Supporting the Administration’s Goals for Energy and AI Innovation
This solicitation corresponds to several executive orders President Trump has issued related to energy and AI innovation across America, including:
McAllister and Quinn can Provide Strategic Proposal Support for DOE AI and Energy Proposals
If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity or need assistance navigating the application process, McAllister & Quinn is here to help. Our team of experts, including those with deep knowledge of AI, nuclear energy, and policy, can provide strategic guidance and proposal development services to help align your project with this federal funding opportunity, and more.
Contact us today to see how we can support your efforts in advancing AI and energy technologies and securing federal funding.