Iowa is on the cusp of a historic transformation in how it powers its future. In October, NextEra Energy announced plans to restart the Duane Arnold Energy Center in Linn County — a bold move that marks the return of nuclear energy to the state and signals the revival of safe, reliable and community-driven power generation.
This isn’t just a restart. It’s a renaissance.
Duane Arnold ceased operations in 2020. Now, NextEra Energy will bring it back online to deliver 615 megawatts of around-the-clock electricity. That’s the equivalent of powering approximately 500,000 homes and businesses. Power demand, from all sectors of the economy, is expected to grow by 600% over the next 20 years. NextEra Energy, Google and Central Iowa Power Cooperative (CIPCO) are stepping up with a solution that’s both forward-looking and environmentally responsible to meet the demand driven by artificial intelligence, cloud computing, domestic manufacturing, and other commercial and industrial businesses.
But the impact of this project goes far beyond electricity on the grid.
Restarting Duane Arnold will generate more than $9 billion in economic benefits for Iowa over the next 25 years, according to a recently published economic study. That includes $75 million in tax revenue, with direct investments in education and public services:
- $41 million to the Cedar Rapids Community School District and $4 million to Kirkwood Community College, supporting the next generation of Iowans.
- $26 million to Linn County and nearly $2 million to fire-rescue services, enhancing critical infrastructure and safety.
During construction, the project will support more than 1,600 jobs. Once operational, Duane Arnold will employ approximately 400 full-time workers in high-quality, skilled positions. These numbers aren’t statistics; they represent livelihoods, opportunities and futures for Iowans.
At NextEra Energy, we believe safe and reliable energy also requires community support. That’s why engagement with local leaders continues to be a cornerstone of this project. From early engineering evaluations to ongoing conversations with federal, state and local officials, we’ve built our approach on safety, diligence and collaboration.
We’re also partnering with educational institutions and workforce development organizations to ensure Iowa’s talent pipeline is ready to meet the demands of a revitalized nuclear industry. Whether through training programs or student internships, Duane Arnold will serve as a hub for energy, education and innovation.
The Corridor has long led the way in energy innovation, with wind and solar powering homes and businesses across the region. Restarting Duane Arnold adds a critical piece to the local energy mix. As part of NextEra Energy’s comprehensive all-forms-of-energy strategy, nuclear power strengthens grid reliability and positions Iowa as a national model for energy production.
This project also reflects the power of partnership that will help fuel economic growth, innovation and grid resilience in Eastern Iowa:
- Google committed to purchasing the majority of Duane Arnold’s output to support its AI and cloud data center operations.
- CIPCO secured a portion of Duane Arnold’s output to benefit its 13 member-owned rural electric cooperatives and associations that provide energy to more than 300,000 Iowa residents and businesses across the state.
In many ways, Duane Arnold is more than a power plant. It’s a symbol of what’s possible when vision, technology and community come together. It’s a reminder that Iowa doesn’t just follow energy trends; it leads them.
As we move forward, we will continue working with local leaders, residents and businesses to ensure Duane Arnold’s second chapter delivers even greater impact than its first. Together, we’re building a future where Iowa delivers – and even leads – the nation in safe, reliable and community-powered energy.
By Garrett Goldfinger, Senior Director of Development
NextEra Energy Duane Arnold
