The Corridor Business Journal was first to report that NextEra Energy was exploring a restart of the Duane Arnold Energy Center. We continue to follow that story closely, and what has become clear is this: Restarting a partially decommissioned nuclear plant is neither simple nor certain. But we believe it will happen. It will simply take time.
The bureaucratic nature of nuclear licensing is itself part of why nuclear power has grown so expensive — a reality on full display Tuesday night, April 14, when officials from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission met with the public at the Cedar Rapids Public Library to share updates on the recommissioning process.
The NRC has assembled a three-member restart panel drawing from licensing, inspection, security, emergency preparedness, environmental review and legal staff. A licensing bundle authorizing the restart could be issued as soon as January 2028, contingent on the agency determining that the plant can be safely restarted. Even then, additional steps — including refueling — would be required before Duane Arnold generates power. NextEra officials have said they hope to bring the plant back online by early 2029.
The 615-megawatt facility, Iowa’s only nuclear plant, was shuttered after the August 2020 derecho devastated its cooling towers. Restart prospects improved considerably in October 2025, when NextEra announced a power purchase agreement with Google, which will buy the majority of power produced at a restarted Duane Arnold for its new data center under construction in southwest Cedar Rapids.
Some of the hurdles ahead are reasonable. Many are not. Frivolous lawsuits will likely slow the process. But the promise of hundreds of jobs, reliable baseload power and a major energy customer committed to this region make the effort worth pursuing. We will keep watching and reporting.
Langhorne Leadership Grants
The region has a new and meaningful way to invest in its next generation of leaders, and we are pleased to see it take shape.
Five organizations are sharing $14,300 in inaugural Dr. John E. Langhorne Leadership Development Grants through the Community Foundation of Johnson County. The grants honor the legacy of Dr. Langhorne, founder of Langhorne Associates and a former CBJ contributor, who believed that leadership is a lifelong, evolving journey. Throughout his career, he mentored and supported countless business and community leaders and worked closely with the Iowa City Community Leadership Program.
“John earned a reputation as a champion of community leadership, inspiring positive change far beyond the doors of his business, Langhorne Associates,” said Mary Jo Langhorne. “We are thrilled to see his legacy continue, carried forward through the impactful grants that have now been awarded.”
Leadership development does not happen by accident. It requires sustained investment, thoughtful mentorship and institutional commitment. These grants embody all three. We congratulate the recipients and thank the Langhorne family for ensuring this important work endures.
