US Air Force eyes Alaska bases for AI data centres

The U.S. Department of the Air Force is taking steps to potentially build one or more artificial intelligence data centres at three military installations in Alaska.

The service has identified approximately 4,700 acres of underutilised land across Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Eielson Air Force Base, and Clear Space Force Station for the project. A Request for Lease Proposal has been published on the federal contracting website SAM.gov.

Under the Enhanced Use Lease model, the Air Force would lease non-excess property to a commercial partner for long-term use, receiving at least fair market value in return. The selected developer would be responsible for all aspects of the project including financing, permitting, construction, and long-term operation.

Robert Moriarty, deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force for Installations, was quoted as saying: “This is a unique opportunity for a true public-private partnership. By making this land available, we are supporting the growing demands of the AI industry while generating value that directly supports our missions and the readiness of our Airmen and Guardians.”

Twelve parcels of land have been identified for potential development across the three sites. The U.S. Air Force will host a virtual industry day on 23 April to engage with potential partners and provide details about the proposal process. Site visits are scheduled for Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson on 28 April, Clear Space Force Station on 29 April, and Eielson Air Force Base on 30 April.

Alaska’s cold climate and available land make it a potentially attractive location for data centres, which generate significant heat and require substantial space and power infrastructure.