NextEra Energy announced two agreements with Google to further nuclear energy production to meet the growing energy demands of artificial intelligence technology. 

Restarting energy production at the Duane Arnold Energy Center nuclear plant in Palo, near Cedar Rapids, is a major part of the partnership. Google has agreed to a 25-year agreement to buy power from the 615-megawatt plant. 

One of the plant’s current minority owners, Central Iowa Power Cooperative, will buy the remaining portion of the plant’s output on the same terms as Google. NextEra Energy has signed definitive agreements to acquire CIPCO and Corn Belt Power Cooperative’s combined 30% interest in the plant, which will bring NextEra Energy’s ownership to 100%. Duane Arnold, which was shut down in 2020, is expected to be online and delivering electricity onto the grid by the first quarter of 2029, pending regulatory approvals to restart the plant.

“Restarting Duane Arnold marks an important milestone for NextEra Energy,” John Ketchum, chairman and CEO of NextEra Energy, said in a press release. “Our partnership with Google not only brings nuclear energy back to Iowa, it also accelerates the development of next-generation nuclear technology.”

NextEra Energy and Google have also signed an agreement to explore the development of new nuclear generation throughout the U.S. NextEra Energy now has nearly 3 gigawatts of energy projects with Google across the country.     

“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. “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.”      

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on Aug. 25 approved a waiver request to recommission the Duane Arnold plant for commercial operation starting Dec. 31, 2029. 

An economic impact report completed by Strategic Economic Research estimates the following benefits to Iowa from the recommissioning of the plant:

More than 1,600 direct, indirect and induced jobs during the plant’s construction.

More than $340 million in annual economic output during operations.

In Linn County:

• More than 800 direct, indirect and induced jobs during the plant’s construction and 400 direct, full-time jobs during operations.
• Local total earnings during construction of more than $89 million and local long-term earnings of more than $127 million.
• More than $320 million in annual economic output during operations.
• An average of $3 million in annual tax revenue to support schools, infrastructure and fire-rescue services.

Restarting nuclear energy production in Iowa is also part of Gov. Kim Reynolds’ energy plan. 

“Iowa isn’t just a place to build; it’s a place to lead,” Reynolds said. “Today’s exciting announcement from NextEra Energy and Google further cements Iowa’s leadership in powering America’s AI infrastructure. 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.”

The Duane Arnold restart follows a rigorous engineering evaluation, community engagement and close coordination with federal, state and local authorities. NextEra Energy is working proactively with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and other governmental authorities on the return to service.