The Energy Department (DOE) published a Request for Information (RFI) to gather feedback on actions to address projected electricity demand growth from artificial intelligence (AI) and other data centers, advanced manufacturing facilities, semiconductor fabrication plants, and other large energy users.
The RFI specifically highlights DOE funding programs and authorities for such infrastructure projects, including: (1) DOE Loans and Loan Guarantees, which can be used to support grid infrastructure and electricity generation projects, including high-voltage transmission, generation, grid upgrades, and integrated systems that support load growth; (2) the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program, which provides funding for substation upgrades, grid hardening, advanced control systems, and innovative approaches to enhance reliability and improve transmission, storage, and other regional energy infrastructure; (3) the Transmission Facilitation Program, under which DOE provides long-term financial assistance to help overcome the financial hurdles in the development of large-scale new transmission lines and upgrading existing transmission; and (4) DOE technical assistance, which provides access to advanced modeling and analytical capabilities of the DOE National Laboratories to address grid modernization and infrastructure investment challenges.
The RFI also seeks comments on specific large-scale generation, transmission, and grid infrastructure proposed projects (including projects that are under development, in planning, or construction-ready) that should be considered and prioritized by DOE for siting and permitting support, technical assistance, and/or federal funding. Specifically, DOE requests detailed information for such projects, including but not limited to: (1) the project’s region, name, geographical location, and description, including detailed maps or geospatial data of the project, if available; (2) the project’s type and size (e.g., 100-mile 500 kV transmission line, 1.1 GW nuclear plant, 20 GW data center/grid corridor, etc.); (3) the project’s current development stage (e.g., conceptual, environmental planning and permitting, financing, or construction-ready); (4) a description of how the project is critical to meeting confirmed or anticipated large electric loads; (5) a description of how DOE financial assistance, loan guarantees, or technical assistance could support the project; (6) the estimated cost and project timeline; (7) any prior tribal engagements (if applicable); (8) the size and characteristics of the load(s) the project is intended to serve; (9) any likely clients/project partners; (10) the current amount of capital/funding that has been raised; (11) the project’s siting and permitting status; (12) the project’s interconnection status; (13) a description of any federal, state, or local barriers or dependences to project completion; and (14) a description of whether the project has engaged with any DOE programs (e.g., DOE financing, GRIP, TFP, etc.).
Comments are due by 5pm ET on November 21, 2025 and can be submitted by email to SpeedtoPowerRFI@hq.doe.gov.