Savannah River to host gas-backed 1 GW AI data center

Amentum was selected to negotiate a phased lease at the Savannah River Site in South Carolina to develop a 1 gigawatt AI data center with roughly 2 gigawatts of dedicated on-site generation. The plan calls for natural gas to supply power initially, with advanced nuclear reactors intended to replace or supplement gas later.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration identified Savannah River as one of four federal locations advanced for private-sector development after screening 16 potential sites. The lease remains subject to final negotiations, permitting, safety and security reviews, and other federal approvals. No reactor vendor or specific nuclear technology has been chosen.

Under the proposed arrangement, on-site generation would be built in stages. Gas-fired units would provide near-term power for the data center while advanced reactors move through licensing, financing and construction. The agency has framed the approach as a way to supply the data center from dedicated resources so existing utility customers do not absorb the project’s costs, and with the objective of increasing power available to the regional grid.

The gas-first, nuclear-later model reflects a timing mismatch: data centers can be built and start operations faster than new nuclear reactors can be licensed and constructed. Early natural-gas capacity allows site work, equipment reservations and customer arrangements to proceed while reactors complete regulatory and construction steps.

Amentum’s business includes nuclear operations, infrastructure development and program delivery on government sites. Those capabilities align with the phased plan at Savannah River, which combines large computing demand with on-site power development.

Comparable proposals exist elsewhere. A partnership involving GE Vernova and a private developer has outlined a Texas project that would deploy two gas turbines to provide about 1 gigawatt by around 2030, then add GE Hitachi BWRX-300 small modular reactors to reach roughly 1.5 gigawatts by about 2032, with a targeted final investment decision in 2027. Advanced reactor developer Oklo has described agreements with partners that would put gas generation in place first and add its Aurora reactors later, with the existing gas equipment repurposed for backup and resilience once reactors begin operating.

For firms in the nuclear supply chain, early gas development and large customer demand can support engineering, site preparation, equipment procurement and financing steps before a reactor reaches first power. Market products that track nuclear-related companies, such as the VettaFi Nuclear Renaissance Index (NUKZX) and the Range Nuclear Renaissance Index ETF (NUKZ), include firms active across design, construction, services, utilities and fuel supply.

Next steps for the Savannah River proposal include completing lease talks, conducting environmental and safety reviews, and deciding on reactor technologies and commercial partners if the project moves forward.