# Oak Ridge Lab Launches AI Data Centers Institute

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has launched an institute focused on making AI data centers more energy-efficient, reliable, secure, and supportive of grid operations. Its six research areas—thermal management, power architecture, grid integration, operations, security, and integrated modeling—create potential technology-development and collaboration pathways for industry. ORNL announced no solicitation, contract award, or dedicated funding amount, so the launch signals a research focus rather than an active procurement opportunity.

- Companies working in data-center cooling, power systems, grid integration, security, operations, or modeling can assess how their capabilities align with the institute’s stated research areas.
- Procurement professionals should distinguish potential collaboration opportunities from funded requirements: the announcement does not specify a contract vehicle, funding, or proposal process.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Information Technology, Energy & Utilities
**Topics:** Artificial Intelligence, Digital Infrastructure
**Published:** October 07, 2026

### Government Entities
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)
- U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
- DOE Office of Science

### Vendors
- AMD ()
- Carrier Energy ()
- Chemours ()
- NVIDIA ()

### Key Quotes
> The electricity required to power AI data centers is expected to double or triple in the coming decade, straining infrastructure that is already under pressure.
> — Stephen Streiffer, Director of Oak Ridge National Laboratory

### Sources
- [Oak Ridge National Laboratory launches the Next-Generation Data Centers Institute – Oak Ridge National Lab](https://www.ornl.gov/news/oak-ridge-national-laboratory-launches-next-generation-data-centers-institute/) - ORNL