NextEra Energy has struck a 25-year deal with Google to restart its shuttered Duane Arnold nuclear power plant in Iowa. The facility, damaged by a derecho in 2020, could be operational by early 2029, supplying “24/7 carbon-free energy” to Google’s growing cloud and AI infrastructure in the state. This deal marks a significant shift in the nuclear energy sector, potentially setting a precedent for other decommissioned plants like Michigan’s Palisades and Pennsylvania’s Three Mile Island.
NextEra’s acquisition of Central Iowa Power Cooperative and Corn Belt Power Cooperative’s combined 30% interest in Duane Arnold solidifies its sole ownership of the plant. Under the agreement, CIPCO will purchase output from Duane Arnold under the same contract terms as Google. NextEra assures that restarting the plant will increase regional generation capacity without burdening local energy customers with costs associated with Google’s power purchases.
Google anticipates the restart will create thousands of jobs and bring substantial economic investment to Iowa. The tech giant has operated a data center in Council Bluffs since 2007 and is constructing a new one in Cedar Rapids. Ruth Porat, president and CIO of Google and Alphabet, emphasized the project’s potential to deliver nuclear energy and job opportunities by 2029.
NextEra Energy CEO John Ketchum highlighted the milestone, noting that the partnership accelerates the development of next-generation nuclear technology. Andrew St. John, CEO of CIPCO, expressed enthusiasm for nuclear energy’s return to Iowa’s energy mix, citing its reliability and cost-effectiveness. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds praised the announcement, underscoring Iowa’s leadership in powering AI infrastructure.
NextEra has conducted a rigorous engineering evaluation, engaged with the community, and coordinated with authorities to ensure a safe and compliant restart. The company is working proactively with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and other governmental bodies to facilitate Duane Arnold’s return to service.
This development could reshape the nuclear energy sector, demonstrating the viability of restarting decommissioned plants and highlighting the growing demand for reliable, carbon-free energy to support data centers and AI infrastructure. The partnership between NextEra and Google may inspire similar collaborations, potentially revitalizing other mothballed nuclear facilities and contributing to a more sustainable energy future.