NextEra Energy and Google have announced a partnership to restart the Duane Arnold Energy Center near Cedar Rapids, with the facility targeted to be fully operational by the first quarter of 2029.
The 615-megawatt nuclear plant in Palo, which shut down in 2020, will provide carbon-free energy to help power Google’s cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure in Iowa under a 25-year purchase agreement. Central Iowa Power Cooperative will purchase the remaining portion of the plant’s output on the same terms as Google, according to a news release.
NextEra Energy has signed definitive agreements to acquire CIPCO and Corn Belt Power Cooperative’s combined 30% interest in the plant, bringing NextEra Energy’s ownership to 100%. The restart is pending regulatory approvals.
According to an economic study, the project is expected to create more than 1,600 direct, indirect and induced jobs during construction statewide, with approximately 400 direct, full-time jobs during operations. The study projects more than $9 billion in economic benefits to Iowa.
In Linn County specifically, the plant is expected to generate more than $320 million in annual economic output during operations and an average of $3 million in annual tax revenue for schools, infrastructure and fire-rescue services.
“Restarting Duane Arnold marks an important milestone for NextEra Energy,” said John Ketchum, chairman and CEO of NextEra Energy, in a statement. “Our partnership with Google not only brings nuclear energy back to Iowa — it also accelerates the development of next-generation nuclear technology. Thanks to the leadership of the Trump Administration, Google and NextEra Energy are answering the call of America’s golden age of power demand, creating thousands of jobs, strengthening Iowa’s economy, delivering long-term value to our shareholders and helping power America’s future through innovation and technology.”
“Building on two decades of work in Iowa, including our recent $7 billion investment in the state this May, Google is proud to partner with NextEra Energy to reopen the Duane Arnold Energy Center – a project that will deliver nuclear energy and hundreds of new job opportunities in the Hawkeye State by the beginning of 2029,” said Ruth Porat, president and chief investment officer of Alphabet and Google, in a statement. “This partnership serves as a model for the investments needed across the country to build energy capacity and deliver reliable, clean power, while protecting affordability and creating jobs that will drive the AI-driven economy.”
Energy customers in Iowa will not bear any costs associated with the power Google purchases from the facility, according to the announcement.
NextEra Energy and Google also signed a separate agreement to explore the development of new nuclear generation to be deployed in the U.S. The companies now have nearly 3 gigawatts of energy projects together across the country.
“Iowa isn’t just a place to build; it’s a place to lead. Today’s exciting announcement from NextEra Energy and Google further cements Iowa’s leadership in powering America’s AI infrastructure,” said Gov. Kim Reynolds, in a statement. “Meeting the demands of emerging technologies requires reliable, clean energy and the Duane Arnold nuclear facility is ideally positioned to deliver it. By advancing nuclear energy and AI innovation together, Iowa is shaping a sustainable digital future that drives economic growth, strengthens communities and keeps America competitive.”
“Bringing Duane Arnold back online is a big win for Linn County and the entire state of Iowa,” said state Sen. Charlie McClintock, who represents Iowa’s 42nd district, in a statement. “Kids would watch their parents work at the plant and then grow up and work there themselves. Now, we’re bringing back multigenerational local jobs. This announcement shows that Iowa can support all forms of energy, and we can keep the lights on for our residents’ homes and local businesses, as well as the companies that we welcome to the Hawkeye State.”
NextEra Energy is working with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and other governmental authorities on the restart.
