Kentucky Data Center News

May 12, 2026

Ford officially launches US stationary energy storage subsidiary, deliveries to begin in 2027

Ford Motor Company has launched Ford Energy, an energy storage subsidiary, and published specifications for a flagship 20-foot DC containerised BESS product.

Main announcement: Ford has launched Ford Energy and released specs for a flagship 20-foot ISO containerised DC block BESS built around 512Ah LFP cells with 5.45MWh rated energy per unit, available in 2-hour and 4-hour configurations; the company projects annual manufacturing capacity of 20 GWh per each DC block production line and expects first deliveries in late 2027.
Background and details: Ford is investing ~US$2 billion in a Glendale, Kentucky factory for prismatic LFP cell and DC BESS enclosure production, took a US$19.5 billion write-down related to downsizing EV capacity, and plans additional residential battery production lines at another former BlueOval SK site in Michigan. The notes reference FEOC/PFE compliance and domestic content bonuses under recent US tax rules.

May 11, 2026 · RMI

A Fast-Path to Affordability: Understanding the Benefits of Energy-Only Resources in PJM

RMI (authors Katie Siegner, Sarah Toth Kotwis, Abigail Weeks) commissioned Aurora Energy Research analysis and recommends PJM reform ERIS interconnection pathways to accelerate deployment of energy-only resources.

Main announcement/action: RMI highlights Aurora’s finding that deploying 10 GW of ERIS resources (5 GW solar + 5 GW wind) by 2028 could yield ~$10.9 billion in PJM ratepayer savings (billion, 2025$) over the next decade, and urges PJM to create a separate, fast ERIS study track with minimal network upgrade scope and clearly defined short timelines. The analysis assessed IRRs across four PJM zones (AEP, ComEd, Dominion, PPL) using a 9% hurdle rate and assumed no network upgrade costs beyond the point of interconnection for the primary scenarios.
Context and details: Aurora’s study modeled ERIS resources (wind and solar) with a 2028 commercial operation date, found ERIS projects are financially viable across most scenarios (central-case IRRs: solar ~9%–10.2%, wind ~9.2%–13.6%), noted ERIS uptake in PJM is currently low (PJM ~1% of MW online ERIS vs much higher elsewhere), and recommended that transmission planning (e.g., PJM’s RTEP) handle broader system upgrades while ERIS studies limit scope to point-of-interconnection impacts.

May 3, 2026

Energy group asks Congress to investigate potentially foreign-backed campaigns against AI data centers

Power the Future has asked Congress to open formal investigations into funding it alleges is incentivizing nonprofits and local groups to oppose data center and AI projects.

Requested action: Power the Future sent a letter to Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.) and Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) asking committees to open formal investigations into what it describes as a “coordinated, billionaire-funded, and potentially foreign-backed political campaign” to block construction of data center and AI infrastructure. The group reports 188 local opposition groups across 24 states and cites grant reporting that New Venture Fund, the Sierra Club Foundation and the Sixteen Thirty Fund collectively received over $13 million from pro-environmental donors.
Background/details: The letter raises concerns that U.S. nonprofit donor disclosure laws can shield donors from public disclosure; it names environmental organizations (Sierra Club, Food and Water Watch, Earthjustice, Goods Jobs First, Piedmont Environmental Council, Southern Environmental Law Center, MediaJustice, Athena Coalition) as recipients of funding they say has been spent opposing data center expansions. Power the Future founder Daniel Turner acknowledges some legitimate local concerns but urges scrutiny of the scale and source of funding. The letter quotes Interior Secretary Doug Burgum calling opposition a “surrender” to China. No formal investigation timeline is provided in the article.

Apr 27, 2026

Small modular reactors and microreactors under development in the United States

The U.S. Department of Energy announced renewed support for SMR development, including a $900 million funding tender and selection of vendors for the Energy Reactor Pilot Program.

DOE actions: In March 2025 DOE reissued a tender for $900 million to promote SMR development and in June 2025 announced the Energy Reactor Pilot Program, selecting vendors (Aalo Atomics Inc.; Antares Nuclear, Inc.; Deep Fission Inc.; Last Energy Inc.; Oklo Inc.; Natura Resources LLC; Radiant Industries Inc.; Terrestrial Energy Inc.; Valar Atomics Inc.). Applicants are responsible for funding individual pilot reactor designs while the program aims to fast-track licensing and attract private funding.
Defense and implementation details: The Defense Innovation Unit and military services are advancing microreactor adoption: the Army launched the Janus Program (sites shortlisted at nine bases) and the Air Force plans a commercial microreactor at Eielson Air Force Base with Oklo, Inc. supplying a sodium-cooled Aurora design targeting 1 MW to 5 MW by 2027; the Department of the Navy is soliciting offers for on-site SMRs and microreactors.

Apr 23, 2026

‘Beneficiary Pays’ Model Gains Traction With Lawmakers

Rep. Julie Fedorchak said Congress could require companies driving demand for new transmission lines to pay for them.

Main announcement: Rep. Julie Fedorchak (R-N.D.) proposed that companies driving demand for new transmission lines should pay for those lines, and Rep. Scott Peters (D-Calif.) backed cost allocation with a call for clear criteria for distributing costs.
Details & context: Fedorchak outlined a three-step approach: stabilize the grid by slowing plant retirements, optimize existing transmission with higher-capacity lines, and enact permitting reform for long-term expansion; Peters supported improved transmission planning but opposed keeping expired plants online, urging private-sector replacement of retired generation. Congress is reported to be close to a deal and lawmakers warned the legislative window may be limited and will require bipartisan support.

Apr 23, 2026

Region struggling with pollution, annual air quality report shows

The American Lung Association released its 27th annual “State of the Air” report.

Main findings: The report rates counties on ozone and particle pollution for 2022–2024, finding most west-central Illinois counties failed for high-ozone days; Sangamon County recorded 21 orange-status high-ozone days (2022–2024) and the Springfield-Jacksonville-Lincoln area ranked 38th worst nationally for ozone. It also reports Illinois has 229 existing or approved data centers, and cites U.S. data centers consuming ~4.4% of national electricity today with projections to double or triple by 2028 and potentially account for up to 12% of U.S. electricity within the next decade.
Context and calls to action: The report criticizes recent EPA actions as weakening protections and states “Hard-fought progress is now at grave risk.” It calls on the EPA to reaffirm public-health protections and urges Illinois policymakers to pass the Hazel M. Johnson Cumulative Impacts Ordinance, support state legislation to curb warehouse pollution, and expand zero-emission vehicle infrastructure. The report notes 33.5 million children live in areas that received a failing grade for at least one measure of air pollution.

Apr 20, 2026

Rivian, Redwood Materials announce energy storage partnership

Rivian has announced a partnership with Redwood Materials to deploy a stationary energy storage system at its Normal, Illinois assembly plant.

Main announcement: Rivian will provide more than 100 second-life EV battery packs to Redwood Materials to be repurposed into an initial 10 MWh energy storage system at Rivian’s Normal, Illinois factory to reduce utility costs and grid demand at peak times.
Background and additional details:Redwood Energy (a Redwood Materials business unit, announced June 2025) is focused on low-cost stationary storage for AI data centers and commercial uses; Redwood Materials received a $2 billion conditional loan commitment from the U.S. Department of Energy (Feb 2023). Related industry moves include a non-binding MOU between GM and Redwood Materials (July 2025) and Ford’s plan for a subsidiary to produce 5 MWh+ advanced battery energy storage systems in Kentucky (announced December [year referenced]).

Apr 14, 2026

Negotiations over data center legislation have yet to ramp up as environmental groups cite favorable poll

The Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition released polling showing strong public support for the POWER Act and urged lawmakers to pass SB4016/HB5513 to increase transparency and regulate data centers.

Main announcement: The Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition released survey results showing 70% of Illinois residents support tighter regulation of data centers (rising to 75% after provisions are explained). The House sponsor, State Rep. and House Majority Leader Robyn Gabel (Evanston), says SB4016/HB5513 would require sunshine on community benefit agreements; negotiations have yet to move much beyond committee hearing testimony.
Background and provisions: The POWER Act would require disclosure of water use, assessment of cooling alternatives, mandated high-efficiency systems, and review of applications by the Illinois State Water Survey; it would create an industry-funded public benefits and affordability fund for energy bill assistance, home efficiency upgrades, and air quality monitoring. Related proposals include Republican SB4004 (Chapin Rose) barring use of the Mahomet Aquifer, and Gov. JB Pritzker called for a two-year pause on new data center tax credits in February. The article cites industry figures: ~115,000 jobs, $20 billion added to Illinois GDP (2023), $1.8 billion in state and local property taxes (2023), and $15 billion in state incentive-driven investment (2024).

Apr 6, 2026

5 surprising ways homeowners are fighting back against local polluters

Multiple U.S. residents and community groups have launched legal actions and local opposition against polluters and data-center projects.

Class action & insurance impacts:Two homeowners in Washington state filed a class action lawsuit against Big Oil companies alleging decades of deception about fossil fuels and climate harms; the suit covers homeowners nationwide who purchased insurance after 2017 or plan to, and the article notes home insurance premiums in Washington rose more than 50% since 2019.
Local actions and project specifics:Dr. Tim Grosser (Kentucky) refused to sell land to “one of the largest AI companies in the world” for a data center; xAI’s Memphis facility reportedly consumes enough energy to power 100,000 homes and its methane turbines have increased smog by up to 60%; a limestone quarry in northern Alabama was ordered to temporarily cease operations over dust, light, and noise complaints; Zero Waste Ithaca (organized by Yayoi Koizumi) pursues local sustainability and has used the court system in some cases.

Apr 6, 2026

Elon Musk’s xAI, pollution and data centers — what you need to know about a Tennessee bill

State Rep. Ed Butler sponsored bill HB1847/SB2128 allowing data centers to source their own power rather than buy from a utility.

Main action: The legislation (HB1847/SB2128) would allow a facility defined as a data center (>=50 MW) to produce behind-the-meter power or buy from an independent power producer without state regulator approval; the bill is scheduled to be heard before the Tennessee Senate Commerce and Labor Committee. Key specifics: defines data center as ≥50 MW, enables behind-the-meter generation and purchases from independent power producers (removing oversight by the Tennessee Public Utility Commission).
Background and details: The article cites xAI’s Colossus 1 (initially ~30 mini gas turbines, now ~15) and approvals including ~300 MW from TVA and authorization for another 40 gas turbines in Mississippi; TVA reported data centers were ~10% of its total load in 2025, and TVA increased rates nearly 10% between 2023 and 2024. The piece notes concerns from the Southern Environmental Law Center about unregulated methane gas plants and links to studies noting millions of dollars in annual health damages associated with proposed gas generation.

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