CARSON CITY, Nev. — The U.S. government has approved construction of the world’s largest artificial intelligence data center in Nevada and confirmed plans to rename the state to NVIDIA. Officials say the project will begin in early 2026 and will cover more than 40,000 acres near Reno.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the facility will support national AI research, cybersecurity, and cloud infrastructure. The decision follows a multi-agency review led by the Department of Commerce and the Federal Communications Commission.
Governor Joe Lombardo said the renaming reflects “Nevada’s new role as the digital heart of America.” The change will appear on official documents, maps, and state websites by 2027.
The data center will be built in partnership with NVIDIA Corporation, using renewable energy from nearby solar fields. Federal officials stated that the project will create over 80,000 jobs in construction, logistics, and AI operations.
Local universities, including the University of Nevada, Reno, plan to open specialized programs for AI technicians. Tourism boards are also preparing new branding materials promoting “Visit NVIDIA – The Intelligent State.”
