Google and NextEra Energy are partnering to revive Iowa’s only nuclear power plant, aiming to meet the rising demand for low-carbon energy driven by artificial intelligence.
Google and U.S. energy giant NextEra Energy announced a partnership on Monday to revive Iowa’s only nuclear power plant, the Duane Arnold Energy Center, in response to the increasing demand for low-carbon energy driven by artificial intelligence (AI).
Once operational, the 615-megawatt plant will serve as a 24/7 carbon-free energy source for Google, supporting the company’s expanding cloud and AI infrastructure in Iowa. This initiative also aims to enhance local grid reliability, according to a press release from the companies.
The Duane Arnold Energy Center, which ceased operations in 2020, could potentially resume operations by early 2029, pending necessary regulatory approvals.
Ruth Porat, president and chief investment officer of Alphabet and Google, emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating, “This 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.”
Iowa State Senator Charlie McClintock echoed this sentiment, calling the revival a major win for Linn County and the entire state. He noted that the announcement demonstrates Iowa’s capability to “keep the lights” on for both residents and businesses.
The Duane Arnold Energy Center, located in Palo, Iowa, was the state’s sole nuclear power facility. Construction of the plant began on May 22, 1970, and it commenced commercial operations on February 1, 1975. The facility featured a single 601-megawatt boiling water reactor supplied by General Electric. Ownership was primarily held by NextEra Energy Resources (70%), with Central Iowa Power Cooperative and Corn Belt Power Cooperative holding 20% and 10%, respectively. In December 2010, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission extended the plant’s operating license to 2034.
However, in 2018, Alliant Energy, a major purchaser of electricity from the Duane Arnold Energy Center, opted to shorten its power purchase agreement. This decision, coupled with economic factors, led to the plant’s planned early shutdown. The facility ceased operations on August 10, 2020, after its cooling towers suffered significant damage from a derecho storm. Following the shutdown, the plant entered decommissioning, with spent fuel stored safely on-site.
The revival of the Duane Arnold Energy Center represents a significant milestone for both Iowa and Google, illustrating the growing intersection of clean energy and advanced technology. For Iowa, restarting its only nuclear power plant signifies a substantial enhancement to local energy infrastructure, ensuring a reliable, low-carbon electricity supply that bolsters grid stability and supports economic growth.
The project also promises job creation during both the refurbishment and operational phases, benefiting the local community and reinforcing the state’s position as a leader in sustainable energy development.
For Google, securing a 24/7 carbon-free energy source aligns with its commitment to sustainability while facilitating the rapid expansion of its AI and cloud infrastructure in the region. Reliable, large-scale nuclear power will provide the consistent energy required for high-performance computing, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and helping the company meet its ambitious environmental goals.
The Duane Arnold Energy Center project exemplifies a model for integrating traditional energy assets with the demands of emerging technologies. It highlights the potential of nuclear energy to deliver continuous, low-carbon power at a time when electricity demand is surging due to AI, data centers, and other energy-intensive industries.
Source: Original article