This Month's Latest Tech News in Lawrence, KS - Wednesday April 30th 2025 Edition

Lawrence, KS is rapidly emerging as a pivotal player in the national AI revolution, catalyzed by unprecedented investments in local innovation and federal research.

With the Kansas City National Security Campus anchoring advanced manufacturing and national security initiatives, the region exemplifies how strong public-private partnerships can drive both regional and global technological impact through industry-acclaimed operations and community investments.

Major policy moves - like the recent U.S. Department of Energy plan to establish AI-ready data centers at 16 national sites - signal direct benefits for Kansas, as lawmakers emphasize the urgent need for robust energy infrastructure and streamlined regulation to support AI's explosive power requirements.

Notably, projections reveal U.S. data centers could account for up to 12% of national electricity use by 2028. The table below illustrates key data center trends:

Year	Data Center U.S. Electricity Use	Additional Projected Power Needs
2023	4.4%	-
2028 (Projected)	6.7%–12%	+67 GW by 2030

Meanwhile, KU Innovation Park's Oread Angel Investors network is fueling startup growth with $570,000 raised for Jayhawk-affiliated innovators, and recent legislative focus, such as the White House's new AI strategy directives, is shaping a modern governance approach for trustworthy AI growth at federal sites like those in Kansas and within Lawrence's expanding entrepreneurial ecosystem.

As Lawrence stands at this crossroads, the city's growing investment in talent, infrastructure, and regulatory clarity signals readiness for a transformational decade ahead.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has unveiled ambitious plans to establish AI-ready data centers at 16 federal sites, including the Kansas City National Security Campus, as part of a drive to maintain American leadership in artificial intelligence and address the nation's growing digital infrastructure demands.

These select sites - many co-located with research laboratories - offer access to existing power, water, and security infrastructure, paving the way for fast-tracked permitting, especially for new energy generation technologies such as nuclear power and renewables.

The initiative aligns with the January 2025 Executive Order “Removing Barriers to American Leadership in Artificial Intelligence,” supporting public-private partnerships and targeting operational readiness by the end of 2027.

As Energy Secretary Chris Wright describes,

“The global race for AI dominance is the next Manhattan project, and with President Trump's leadership and the innovation of our National Labs, the United States can and will win.”

The DOE's Request for Information (RFI) invites input from technology, energy developers, and the broader public on technical, financial, and operational models for building these world-class facilities.

The DOE emphasizes collaboration with local communities and tribes while highlighting the strategic importance of integrating new data centers with on-site clean power.

For a complete list of candidate locations and RFI categories - including information about the Kansas City site's ~50-acre footprint and security features - see the official DOE announcement on AI data center infrastructure and the Federal Register notice requesting public input.

For industry context, projected U.S. data center electricity demand is expected to double or triple by 2028, potentially consuming up to 12% of national power output - highlighted in Renewable Energy World's coverage of DOE's strategy for powering AI.

DOE Site	State	Key Features
Kansas City National Security Campus	Missouri	~50 acres, security, cleared land, utilities on site
Idaho National Laboratory	Idaho	Large nuclear energy hub, significant acreage, advanced R&D
Oak Ridge National Laboratory	Tennessee	Supercomputing, AI research, accessible transmission, SMR projects

A new wave of data center construction, largely driven by artificial intelligence (AI) workloads, is set to significantly reshape Kansas's electricity landscape over the next five years.

According to the 2024 United States Data Center Energy Usage Report from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, U.S. data center electricity consumption climbed from 58 TWh in 2014 to 176 TWh in 2023 and is projected to reach between 325 and 580 TWh by 2028 - accounting for 6.7% to 12% of total national demand.

This rapid acceleration is mirrored in Kansas, where community planners and utilities are urgently reassessing energy infrastructure to support intensive power requirements.

As detailed in Resources for the Future's recent analysis of hyperscale data center growth and electricity demand, these forecasts carry risks: if data centers consume less than expected or fail to launch, legacy consumers could be left with hefty infrastructure costs.

Meanwhile, efficiency innovations in chips, cooling, and AI models partly offset load growth, but large-scale expansion remains a certainty as hyperscale operators solidify contracts for renewable and nuclear energy sources.

The scenario below, compiled from LBNL and industry reporting, highlights the sector's remarkable growth trajectory:

Year	US Data Center Energy Use (TWh)	% of US Electricity Consumption
2018	76	1.9%
2023	176	4.4%
2028 (Low)	325	6.7%
2028 (High)	580	12%

Industry experts emphasize both the urgency and uncertainty facing local energy ecosystems.

As a recent expert panel discussion on data center power demand in the Pacific Northwest noted,

“We are in that growth phase again… Everything has to start happening on a much faster cadence.”

Kansas stakeholders must now balance economic opportunity with grid reliability and affordability as the data center boom takes hold.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is grappling with a major workforce downsizing amid an ongoing push to streamline federal agencies, with over 2,600 staffers accepting voluntary resignation in an accelerated second-round offer - more than double the first round earlier this year.

These reductions, part of broader Trump administration priorities, target departments across clean energy, grid deployment, and the Loan Programs Office (LPO), threatening essential technical expertise and stoking internal unrest.

One DOE source captured the mood:

The last weeks have been "demoralizing" and "like a hostile takeover."

As a result, critical sectors such as the Grid Deployment Office and the LPO could lose up to half of their employees, potentially undermining efforts to modernize the U.S. power grid and finance high-impact energy projects.

Lawmakers and experts warn that gutting the agency risks "raising energy costs for families and businesses, slowing innovation, and putting national and global security at risk" (AP News report on DOE workforce reduction impact).

The program's impact is summarized below:

DOE Workforce	Approximate Reductions	Key Offices Affected
17,000 employees	Up to 17% (2,700+ resignations)	Loan Programs, Grid Deployment, Clean Energy Deployment
LPO Federal Workforce	~50% reduction	Loan approvals, tech finance

Despite the downsizing, the administration seeks to leverage the remaining LPO as a tool for advancing infrastructure priorities, though delays and funding uncertainties are expected (Latitude Media feature on DOE restructuring).

The DOE stresses that roles tied to safety, national security, and law enforcement may be spared, but significant uncertainty - both for ongoing projects and the agency's mission - remains (SAN News coverage on DOE staff resignations).

The Department of Energy (DOE) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking broad public input on developing artificial intelligence (AI) data centers across 16 identified federal sites, including the Kansas City National Security Campus.

This strategic move follows the January 2025 executive order, “Removing Barriers to American Leadership in Artificial Intelligence,” and aims to accelerate the siting and construction of AI infrastructure, with operations targeted by the end of 2027.

The RFI invites responses from developers, community members, Tribal nations, and industry stakeholders on site preferences, data center design, energy integration (including nuclear, geothermal, and renewable sources), environmental considerations, and collaboration opportunities.

As noted by Secretary of Energy Chris Wright,

“The global race for AI dominance is the next Manhattan project, and with President Trump's leadership and the innovation of our National Labs, the United States can and will win.”

Responses will help the DOE shape competitive solicitations and public-private partnerships for sustainable, high-performance AI facilities.

For detailed site breakdowns and submission guidelines, review the official Federal Register notice on artificial intelligence infrastructure on DOE lands, learn about the strategic context and list of candidate sites in the Department of Energy's announcement identifying 16 federal sites, and see implications for regional stakeholders in the legal and industry analysis of the U.S. DOE data centers initiative.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is pioneering a new model for AI infrastructure through public-private partnerships, inviting industry and community stakeholders to help shape the future of AI-ready data centers on federal lands.

In a bold step to support the nation's AI leadership, the DOE released a Request for Information (RFI) on artificial intelligence infrastructure on DOE lands that targets 16 DOE-managed sites - including the Kansas City National Security Campus - for rapid development of data centers with co-located energy generation.

This strategy leverages DOE's extensive research infrastructure and power assets, aiming to streamline deployment and foster next-generation hardware advancements.

Secretary of Energy Chris Wright underscored the approach, stating,

“The global race for AI dominance is the next Manhattan project... DOE is taking important steps to leverage our domestic resources to power the AI revolution, while continuing to deliver affordable, reliable and secure energy.”

By seeking proposals from developers and the public, the DOE intends to encourage innovative operational models and financial arrangements, with a goal to bring new AI data centers online by the end of 2027.

These public-private partnerships are expected to accelerate permitting, reduce development costs, and enable integration with cutting-edge nuclear, renewable, and battery storage technologies.

Detailed site information, including land size and infrastructure features, is outlined in the RFI appendices, reflecting a flexible and collaborative pathway for AI and energy innovation in Lawrence and beyond.

For an in-depth look at the sites and partnership opportunities, see the official DOE announcement detailing 16 federal opportunities for data center and AI infrastructure and analysis of DOE's vision for public-private collaboration in U.S. AI infrastructure.

As AI-driven data centers dramatically amplify their demand for clean, reliable power, the technology landscape is seeing a surge in innovative energy solutions - foremost among them, advanced nuclear technologies like small modular reactors (SMRs) and waterless cooling systems.

Leading projects in Kansas City, such as Edged Data Centers' new 124,000-square-foot facility, exemplify this trend, boasting a planned Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of 1.15 and saving up to 95 million gallons of water per year through ThermalWorks waterless cooling technology.

Backed by parent company Endeavour Energy and Deep Fission, these centers aim to source energy from next-generation SMRs positioned underground, designed for scalability, security, and minimal environmental impact (Edged Data Centers and Deep Fission's SMR deployment in Kansas City).

Nationwide, the Department of Energy has identified sixteen federal sites - including the Kansas City National Security Campus - as candidates for AI data centers powered by nuclear and innovative clean energy sources, part of a government initiative to strengthen U.S. technological leadership (DOE's federal data center and AI infrastructure sites initiative).

However, while Big Tech's investment in advanced reactors is significant - Amazon, Google, and Microsoft are each exploring SMR-powered data centers to bridge gaps wind and solar can't address - the commercial availability of SMRs remains a question for the next decade, and environmental and regulatory concerns remain front and center (AI data centers bet on next-gen nuclear energy).

Facility	Capacity	PUE	Water Savings (per year)
Kansas City, MO	26MW	1.15	Up to 95M gallons
Irving, TX	24MW	1.15	Nearly 95M gallons
Extremadura, Spain	Up to 1GW	1.15	Water-free cooling

As one industry executive noted in a recent coverage,

“We need smart solutions that can help us meet growing energy demands while also addressing climate change.”

The combined momentum of public and private partnership points to a future where AI progress is matched by advances in energy infrastructure - but the pace and sustainability of this transformation remain under close scrutiny.

The Kansas City region's federal research sites are set for a significant boost in AI computing capability, as the Department of Energy (DOE) identifies the Kansas City National Security Campus (KCNSC) among 16 national labs positioned for rapid AI infrastructure expansion.

As outlined in the DOE's Request for Information on Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure, KCNSC stands to benefit from enhanced supercomputing facilities, such as the Curie high-performance computer, which already doubled site capacity and demonstrated a 20% performance improvement on computational fluid dynamics workloads.

DOE's initiative seeks input on siting, design, and operation of future AI data centers, with a timeline aiming for construction start in late 2025 and operations by 2027.

The national drive spans a remarkable set of candidate sites, with KCNSC notable for its agile mission support, skilled workforce, and access to reliable power, water, and secure federal land.

This strategic expansion supports both scientific innovation and national security objectives, aligning with statements from DOE leadership that highlight collaboration and future-readiness:

“KC NExT is a great example of NNSA's ability to innovate, collaborate, and deliver. We are committed to delivering and maintaining a safe and credible nuclear deterrent for our nation – and the Kansas City expansion is integral to our success.”

For 2025 and beyond, Kansas City's national labs are primed to deliver advanced AI resources, supporting both local growth and America's leadership in emerging technologies.

For an overview of all 16 fast-tracked federal sites, including their power and development readiness, see the comprehensive DOE sites identified for rapid data center construction at DataCenterDynamics, and for specifics on KCNSC's ongoing high-performance computing enhancements, visit the official Kansas City National Security Campus news page.

Pope Francis has delivered a forceful global warning on the risks of artificial intelligence, urging policymakers and the public to reconsider the unchecked march of AI technology.

In the Vatican's recently released 117-paragraph document, “Antiqua et Nova”, ethical concerns are raised across fields such as warfare, education, health, and the economy, notably highlighting the existential threat posed by autonomous weapons systems that can “identify and strike targets without direct human intervention.” The document underscores that AI should complement - not replace - human intelligence and decision-making, calling for bans on lethal autonomous weapons and robust regulatory oversight.

In a poignant address at the 2024 G7 summit, the Pope insisted,

“We would condemn humanity to a future without hope if we took away people's ability to make decisions about themselves and their lives by dooming them to depend on the choices of machines.”

Beyond military dangers, Francis outlined the risks of AI intensifying social inequality, perpetuating discrimination, and furthering the digital divide, as well as enabling fake news and deepfakes.

Yet, he acknowledged AI's promise in medicine and education if human dignity remains central. As summarized by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Vatican emphasizes that “like any product of human creativity, AI can be directed toward positive or negative ends,” and ultimate moral responsibility rests with humans.

In his address to the World Economic Forum, Francis concluded with a clear ethical principle:

“Human dignity must never be violated for the sake of efficiency.”

For detailed analysis and recommendations from Catholic scholars on AI governance, visit America Magazine's exploration of Papal AI guidance.

Federal momentum around AI and clean energy in 2025 is heating up, reflecting a rare synergy across presidential administrations. The Biden Administration's January executive order on AI infrastructure mandated federal agencies to accelerate “frontier AI” data centers powered by clean energy, relying on public-private partnerships and prioritized site permitting.

Shortly after, new Trump Administration directives - including a revised White House Office of Management and Budget policy - shifted the focus toward maximizing American-made AI technology, streamlining risk management, and removing bureaucratic procurement barriers; as summarized by OSTP's Lynne Parker,

“Today's revised memos offer much needed guidance on AI adoption and procurement... allowing agencies to be more efficient and cost-effective, and support a competitive American AI marketplace.”

This regulatory continuity is mirrored in bipartisan congressional activity and industry engagement, with over 8,700 public comments recently received during the Trump Administration's AI Action Plan consultation.

The evolving landscape sets ambitious milestones for Kansas and beyond: agencies must start AI infrastructure construction by January 2026, fully operationalize data centers with clean power by December 2027, and rigorously evaluate energy grid upgrades and cybersecurity standards.

Key provisions - summarized below - demonstrate holistic planning for America's emerging AI ecosystem:

Provision	Biden EO (Jan 2025)	Trump Era (Apr 2025+)
Clean Energy Mandate	Required for new federal AI data centers	Maintained; streamlined permitting & compliance
AI Procurement Standards	NIST framework, open-source preference	Agency-specific risk management, American-made priority
Public-Private Partnerships	Encouraged for infrastructure and workforce	Expanded, greater industry input and rapid action

For a deeper dive into federal AI action and upcoming regulatory transitions, see the executive order analysis at the White House Executive Order on Advancing U.S. AI Leadership and the latest legislative context in the U.S. Tech Legislative & Regulatory Update for Q1 2025.

As the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) accelerates its push for AI-ready data centers on federal lands, the tech sector's response is robustly optimistic, albeit tempered by industry realities.

The DOE's recent Request for Information on Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure identifies 16 candidate sites nationwide, including the Kansas City National Security Campus, inviting developers to leverage existing power infrastructure, secure environments, and the research prowess of national labs.

Industry analysts and executives note a “strategic pause” rather than a downturn in AI data center investment - a sentiment echoed after Microsoft's high-profile project reevaluation, yet offset by a continuing multi-billion dollar pipeline from major players like Amazon, Google, and Meta.

According to a recent report, “No retreat from demand, just strategic reallocation. Long-term AI demand will drive data center need for a decade; not even in the first inning yet.”

Major Trends	2024-2025 Data
Total Supply Growth (Primary Markets)	+34% YoY (H2 2024)
Active Construction	6,350 MW underway (end 2024)
Vacancy Rate	1.9% (record low)
Tax Payments (2023)	$162.7 billion
Industry Economic Contribution (2017-2023)	$3.46 trillion

The DOE's approach, detailed in the Perkins Coie analysis, notably seeks input on a diverse mix of energy solutions, including nuclear, geothermal, and storage, aligning with policy shifts under both the Biden and Trump administrations to streamline permitting and actively court private sector partnerships (Trump Administration Makes Move To Build AI Infrastructure on Federal Lands).

Tech leaders are proceeding with cautious optimism, aware of the challenges for power availability and supply chain constraints, but united by the anticipated economic and technological benefits for regions like Kansas.

As the DOE puts it,

“The global race for AI dominance is the next Manhattan project, and with President Trump's leadership and the innovation of our National Labs, the United States can and will win.”

For more details on the DOE's identified sites and their national strategy, see DOE Identifies 16 Federal Sites for Data Center and AI Infrastructure.

Lawrence, KS is uniquely positioned for a decade of transformation as the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) accelerates plans to build AI-ready data centers, with the Kansas City National Security Campus among 16 strategically selected sites nationwide.

This initiative is propelled by bipartisan federal efforts, combining resources from both the Trump and Biden administrations, and explicitly aims for construction to begin by late 2025 and operations to launch by 2027.

Local opportunities abound, from public-private partnerships to talent development, as DOE collaborates with industry, communities, and research labs to innovate in energy infrastructure - including onsite nuclear, solar, and advanced grid technologies.

As Secretary of Energy Chris Wright states,

“DOE is taking important steps to leverage our domestic resources to power the AI revolution, while continuing to deliver affordable, reliable and secure energy.”

According to the DOE's recent Request for Information on Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure on DOE Lands, AI data centers could comprise up to 12% of total U.S. electricity demand by 2028 - doubling or tripling current usage and driving a tech industry boom.

The table below summarizes the primary DOE sites tapped for development:

DOE Site	Location	Highlights
Kansas City National Security Campus	Kansas City, MO	~50 acres (35 cleared), secure, ready for AI data center development
Idaho National Laboratory	Idaho	62,000 acres, advanced energy systems, nuclear support
Argonne National Laboratory	Illinois	110-acre AI park, near Chicago, high-voltage access

This federal investment will foster new jobs and innovation across Lawrence and the greater KC metro, all while strengthening grid resilience and shaping the AI workforce of the future.

For those interested in gaining the technical skills to participate in this rising sector, explore Nucamp's affordable bootcamps in Web Development Fundamentals bootcamp, Full Stack Web + Mobile Development bootcamp, and Cybersecurity Fundamentals bootcamp, all offering flexible payment options and scholarships to expand local talent pipelines.