What is Amentum's AI Data Center Project?
The project would pair the data center with roughly 2 gigawatts of on-site power generation, starting with natural gas and transitioning to advanced nuclear energy.
On July 20, 2026, Amentum, the global engineering and technology solutions provider announced that the U.S Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) has selected the company to enter negotiations for a phased lease to develop an integrated artificial intelligence and energy infrastructure project at the Savannah River Site (SRS) in South Carolina.
"Artificial intelligence, energy resilience, and national security are becoming increasingly interconnected, creating new opportunities to strengthen America's strategic advantage," said John Heller, Chief Executive Officer of Amentum. "Amentum is uniquely positioned at that intersection, combining deep engineering expertise, trusted mission execution, and decades of partnership with the U.S. government. This agreement gives us the opportunity to partner with the NNSA to deliver infrastructure that will help power the technologies shaping our nation's future."
Infrastructure and Energy
According to the company, the planned facility would include a 1-gigawatt artificial intelligence data center supported by approximately 2 gigawatts of on-site energy generation. The company said the power supply would initially rely on natural gas before bridging to advanced nuclear energy as the project matures.
Amentum described the initiative as a public-private partnership intended to expand domestic AI computing capacity while strengthening energy resilience. The company said the project would draw on its existing experience in nuclear operations, infrastructure development, and program delivery at the Savannah River Site, where it has worked for decades.
The company said the agreement marks the start of formal negotiations with the NNSA rather than a finalized deal. As per the company, next steps will focus on structuring the phased lease before construction and development timelines are established.
Mark Whitney, president of Amentum's Energy & Environment business, said the project builds on the company's long-standing work at the site.
"For generations, Amentum has helped solve some of the nation's most complex engineering and nuclear challenges, including at the Savannah River Site," she said. "This opportunity builds on that legacy by bringing together our expertise in nuclear operations, infrastructure development, and program delivery to help our customer safely and securely accelerate the next generation of AI and energy infrastructure."
The company said the SRS project is designed to demonstrate how public-private partnerships can advance new technologies while supporting critical national infrastructure.
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Key Takeaways
- Amentum to develop a 1 GW AI data center at Savannah River Site under NNSA's guidance.
- Project includes 2 GW of on-site power generation, transitioning from natural gas to advanced nuclear energy.
- Initiative aims to strengthen U.S. AI computing capacity and energy resilience through a public-private partnership.
- Formal negotiations with NNSA have begun, marking a significant step towards project realization.
- Amentum leverages decades of experience in nuclear operations and infrastructure development for this project.