The White House released a new executive order in July — Accelerating Federal Permitting of Data Center Infrastructure —calling on government to develop AI-ready data centers, streamline federal permitting and encourage private investment in critical infrastructure. Federal agencies are focusing on system resilience to withstand rising environmental and cybersecurity threats as data centers continue to grow.

A joint report from the Department of Energy and Lawrence Berkeley National Lab reveals that electricity usage by data centers tripled over the past decade and could double or triple again by 2028 — potentially consuming up to 12% of the nation’s electricity.

Federal researchers and cybersecurity experts are exploring underground thermal energy storage systems like Borehole Thermal Energy Storage (BTES) to regulate temperatures and reduce grid stress. Leaders from federal/critical infrastructure operational support and National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) are exploring how geothermal solutions can keep data centers operational during extreme weather events and power outages. As the U.S. races to expand its digital infrastructure, these innovations may be key to building a secure and sustainable future.