WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded a five-year, $1.4 billion contract to Strategic Storage Partners, LLC to oversee the management and operations of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). This comprehensive contract, which includes an option for a five-year extension, marks a significant step in reinforcing the SPR’s critical role in maintaining the nation’s energy security and economic resilience.
Strategic Storage Partners, LLC will take over operational responsibilities for the SPR on June 15, 2025, following a transition period. The SPR, which was established to safeguard the United States against disruptions in oil supplies, manages federally owned petroleum reserves stored in underground salt caverns across four locations in Louisiana and Texas.
“The SPR has a longstanding history of protecting the U.S. economy and livelihoods during emergency oil shortages,” the DOE emphasized in its announcement, underscoring the reserve’s vital mission. The SPR fulfills the United States’ commitments to the International Energy Program, ensuring energy availability during times of global instability.
This strategic move is part of the federal government’s broader efforts to bolster American jobs, strengthen domestic supply chains, and solidify the U.S. position as a global energy leader.
Advancing Artificial Intelligence and Energy Infrastructure
The Department also unveiled new plans to position the United States as a leader in artificial intelligence (AI) development and reduce energy costs. Key to this initiative is a recently issued Request for Information (RFI) designed to enlist public and private sector input on co-locating next-generation data centers with new energy infrastructure on DOE-owned lands.
The Department has identified 16 potential sites equipped with established energy infrastructure, enabling streamlined permitting and accelerated construction. These sites are uniquely suited for developing advanced AI capabilities while supporting additional energy generation, including nuclear.
“The global race for AI dominance is the next Manhattan Project,” said Secretary of Energy Chris Wright. “With President Trump’s leadership and the innovation of our National Labs, the United States can and will win. With today’s action, the Department of Energy is taking important steps to leverage our domestic resources to power the AI revolution, while continuing to deliver affordable, reliable and secure energy to the American people.”
Aligned with Executive Orders on AI leadership and energy innovation, the DOE initiative aims to encourage public-private partnerships to deploy cutting-edge technologies. The RFI will collect feedback on development plans, operational models, and economic strategies to inform the design and implementation of AI infrastructure.
White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director Michael Kratsios echoed the administration’s commitment, stating, “The Trump Administration will unleash Federal resources to build out the data resources needed for an AI-powered future.”
The DOE projects that construction of AI data centers at identified sites could commence by the end of 2027. These sites will also offer opportunities for industry partnerships with DOE research facilities, driving innovations in power systems and next-generation hardware required to operate future data centers.
Looking Ahead
The DOE’s dual announcements highlight its mission to secure energy stability while propelling the U.S. to the forefront of technological and energy advancements. Through the $1.4 billion SPR contract, the nation strengthens its energy resilience and economic security. Simultaneously, new initiatives to expand AI and energy infrastructure ensure that the United States remains a global leader in innovation and infrastructure development.
By leveraging private sector engagement and federal resources, the DOE is laying the groundwork for sustainable energy and cutting-edge technology advancements, safeguarding the country’s leadership position in both arenas for decades to come.
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