Energy group NextEra Energy has signed a 25-year power purchase agreement with tech giant Google as part of efforts to bring the Duane Arnold nuclear power plant back online after its shutdown in 2020. Located in Palo, near Cedar Rapids in the state of Iowa, the 615-megawatt facility was decommissioned following damage caused by an extreme weather event.
A strategic project for digital infrastructure
Duane Arnold is scheduled to restart operations at the beginning of 2029, according to information provided by NextEra Energy. The electricity generated will be allocated to meet Google’s growing energy needs for its data centres and artificial intelligence infrastructure in the state. The agreement also includes a clause for Central Iowa Power Cooperative (CIPCO) to purchase a share of the plant’s output under the same terms as Google.
Full acquisition of the site by NextEra Energy
NextEra Energy has entered into an agreement to acquire the 30% stake held by Central Iowa Power Cooperative and Corn Belt Power Cooperative, becoming the sole owner of the nuclear facility. The group stated that the costs of restarting the plant will be covered under the agreement with Google, with no financial impact on regional electricity consumers.
Reinforcing the region’s energy grid
The project is described by the partners as a driver of local economic development, expected to create several thousand direct and indirect jobs. Google, which has operated a data centre in Council Bluffs since 2007, continues its investment in the state with a new site under construction in Cedar Rapids.
Regulatory coordination and institutional cooperation
The return to service of Duane Arnold follows a comprehensive technical assessment, carried out in coordination with local, state and federal authorities. NextEra Energy indicated that it is working closely with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to ensure compliance with safety regulations and implementation timelines.
