NAS Lemoore announces groundbreaking for $1 billion data center and energy project

Naval Air Station Lemoore is preparing to announce the groundbreaking for a substantial $1 billion data center, solar farm, and battery storage project. The initiative, spearheaded by Massachusetts-based energy company Ameresco, involves a lease agreement with the US Navy for 930 acres of land surrounding the Kings County base. Ameresco, which acquired Bright Canyon in 2023, has partnered with KKR-owned CyrusOne to deliver an "AI-optimized data center" coupled with a dedicated on-site energy generation facility. This microgrid system will include engine generators, control systems, and infrastructure upgrades. According to Sarah Thrasher, public affairs officer at NAS Lemoore, the groundbreaking ceremony is anticipated within the next couple of months. Captain Jeffry Findlay, NAS Lemoore's executive officer, stated that the project directly supports national priorities in AI and energy dominance by providing secure, reliable power and compute infrastructure. The data center is projected to be 600,000 square feet and, by one estimate, would employ 20 people upon completion, with 400 workers during construction. The project is expected to begin its first phase online in 2027. While Ameresco's initial plans in 2023 for the site included a significant 425MW to 450MW solar farm, recent press releases from Ameresco and CyrusOne have emphasized the data center aspect and its energy resilience, with less focus on the solar component. This shift may reflect changing administrative priorities regarding renewable energy. Concerns about the data center's potential water consumption, estimated at 1 to 5 million gallons daily for cooling, will need to be addressed.