Google and NextEra Energy have announced a landmark partnership to **revive Iowa’s Duane Arnold Energy Center**, a nuclear power plant that was permanently shut down in 2020, with plans to bring it back online by early 2029. The project, valued at over $1.6 billion, marks the first significant attempt in the U.S. to restart a decommissioned nuclear reactor and aims to supply **615 megawatts of clean, reliable “always-on” nuclear energy** to power Google's expanding cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure in the region[1][2][4][5].
Located in Palo, Iowa, the Duane Arnold Energy Center was th...
Located in Palo, Iowa, the Duane Arnold Energy Center was the state’s only nuclear facility, consisting of a single 601 MW boiling water reactor that operated commercially from 1975 until its closure in August 2020 after more than 45 years of service. The plant was primarily owned by NextEra Energy Resources, holding 70% prior to the restart deal, with the remainder owned by Central Iowa Power Cooperative (CIPCO) and Corn Belt Power Cooperative. As part of the new agreement, NextEra has acquired the combined 30% minority interests, assuming full ownership of the plant[3][4][5].
The partnership includes a **25-year power purchase agreemen...
The partnership includes a **25-year power purchase agreement** under which Google will buy electricity from the plant to support its growing AI and cloud operations in Iowa. CIPCO will purchase the remaining power output on similar terms, ensuring the plant’s energy supports both commercial and regional grid needs. This arrangement underlines the strategic importance of nuclear energy as a low-carbon, reliable power source amid rising demand driven by data centers and AI technologies[2][4][5].
Economic benefits from the project are substantial. The rest...
Economic benefits from the project are substantial. The restart is expected to create around **400 direct full-time jobs** and generate more than **1,600 additional jobs** during construction and related activities, contributing over $9 billion in economic impact to Iowa. Local leaders, including State Senator Charlie McClintock, have praised the initiative as a significant boost to the region’s energy security and economic vitality, emphasizing its role in keeping Iowa’s lights on and supporting sustainable growth[4][5].
NextEra Energy’s chairman and CEO, John Ketchum, highlighted...
NextEra Energy’s chairman and CEO, John Ketchum, highlighted that the revival of Duane Arnold is not just about restoring nuclear power in Iowa but also about accelerating the development of next-generation nuclear technology. Ruth Porat, president and chief investment officer of Alphabet and Google, described the partnership as a model for nationwide investments to build clean, affordable energy capacity and create jobs aligned with the AI-driven economy[5][4].
The project remains subject to regulatory approvals, with Ne...
The project remains subject to regulatory approvals, with NextEra actively working with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and other authorities to ensure the plant meets all safety and operational standards before resuming service[5].
This collaboration between a major tech giant and an energy...
This collaboration between a major tech giant and an energy leader signals a new era for nuclear energy in the U.S., demonstrating its potential to power the future of AI and cloud computing while advancing climate goals through reliable, carbon-free electricity.
🔄 Updated: 10/29/2025, 5:40:41 PM
In a significant shift in the competitive landscape of clean energy, Google's partnership with NextEra Energy to revive Iowa's Duane Arnold nuclear plant by 2029 highlights a growing trend among tech giants to leverage nuclear power for their energy-intensive AI operations. This move follows similar deals, such as Constellation Energy's agrements with Microsoft and Meta, illustrating a strategic push towards nuclear energy as a reliable, low-carbon source. NextEra Energy's acquisition of minority stakes in Duane Arnold, bringing its ownership to 100%, underscores the sector's increasing consolidation and investment in nuclear as a key component of future energy strategies[2][3][5].
🔄 Updated: 10/29/2025, 5:50:45 PM
The revival of Iowa’s Duane Arnold nuclear plant, slated for operation by early 2029, is contingent on obtaining regulatory approvals, underscoring the key role of government oversight in the project’s timeline[3][6][7]. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission had previously extended the plant’s operating license to 2034 before its 2020 shutdown, and its reactivation aligns with state and federal support for nuclear energy to meet rising electricity demand driven by AI infrastructure[3][1]. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has been actively promoting nuclear energy’s comeback, framing it as essential for grid reliability and economic growth[1][3].
🔄 Updated: 10/29/2025, 6:00:44 PM
In a significant development, experts view Google's partnership with NextEra Energy to revive Iowa's Duane Arnold nuclear plant as a strategic move to meet the surging energy demands of AI infrastructure. According to John Ketchum, chairman and CEO of NextEra Energy, this collaboration not only brings nuclear energy back to Iowa but also accelerates next-generation nuclear technology development[1][3]. The deal includes a 25-year power purchase agreement, positioning nuclear energy as a key component in powering Google's AI growth while emphasizing its role as a carbon-free energy source[2][5].
🔄 Updated: 10/29/2025, 6:10:52 PM
Google and NextEra Energy's partnership to reopen Iowa’s Duane Arnold nuclear plant by early 2029 has been praised as a pivotal move to meet surging AI-driven electricity demand with reliable, carbon-free power. John Ketchum, CEO of NextEra Energy, called the restart “an important milestone” that will create thousands of jobs, accelerate next-generation nuclear technology, and strengthen Iowa’s economy, while Ruth Porat of Google described it as a model investment to provide clean, affordable power and fuel the AI economy[1][5]. The 615-MW plant’s 25-year power purchase agreement with Google will ensure stable energy for Google’s data centers, reinforcing the trend of reviving retired nuclear facilities amid soaring data center energ
🔄 Updated: 10/29/2025, 6:20:59 PM
Google and NextEra Energy announced a partnership to revive Iowa's Duane Arnold Energy Center by early 2029, committing to a 25-year power purchase agreement for its full 615-megawatt output—14 MW above its original 601 MW capacity following recommissioning[1][4]. This revival addresses the surging, round-the-clock low-carbon power demand from Google's AI data centers, leveraging nuclear’s stable baseload to outperform intermittent renewables like solar and wind[1][2]. Technically, the project involves refurbishing a boiling water reactor damaged in 2020, with regulatory approvals pending, promising enhanced grid reliability and a key model for sustainable energy integration amid AI’s exponential computing growth[4][5].
🔄 Updated: 10/29/2025, 6:30:59 PM
NextEra Energy shares rose 2% following the announcement that Google will partner with the company to restart Iowa’s shuttered Duane Arnold nuclear plant by early 2029, according to Fox Business reporting cited by TipRanks[2]. Industry analysts highlight the 25-year power purchase agreement as a strategic move by Google to secure clean, always-on energy for its AI and cloud operations, with NextEra now owning 100% of the plant after acquiring minority stakes from local cooperatives[4][7]. Ruth Porat, Alphabet and Google’s President and Chief Investment Officer, stated the project will “contribute more than $340 million to Iowa’s economy each year,” while the companies project it will create over 1
🔄 Updated: 10/29/2025, 6:40:57 PM
**Breaking News Update**: Google's partnership with NextEra Energy to revive Iowa's Duane Arnold nuclear plant by 2029 signals a significant shift in the competitive landscape of the energy sector. This move is part of a broader trend where tech giants are increasingly investing in nuclear power to meet rising energy demands from data centers; Google has committed to a 25-year agreement to purchase power from the 615-MW plant, underscoring its commitment to clean energy solutions[1][5]. The partnership also highlights Google's strategic expansion in Iowa, following a recent $7 billion investment in the state, which is expected to create hundreds of new jobs and drive economic growth[1].
🔄 Updated: 10/29/2025, 6:51:05 PM
Google’s partnership with NextEra Energy to revive Iowa’s 615-MW Duane Arnold nuclear plant by 2029 marks a significant global move to meet rising low-carbon energy demands driven by AI infrastructure, signaling renewed international interest in nuclear power as a clean energy source[2][3][4]. This revival aligns with broader trends as tech giants worldwide invest in nuclear projects to secure reliable, carbon-free power; for example, Microsoft and Meta have engaged in similar deals in the U.S., reflecting a global pivot toward nuclear energy amid climate concerns and escalating data center electricity needs[4]. Ruth Porat, Google’s CFO, called the project a “model for investments” needed nationwide to build clean energy capacity, emphasizing its role in drivin
🔄 Updated: 10/29/2025, 7:01:14 PM
**Breaking News Update**: Google and NextEra Energy are moving forward with plans to revive Iowa's Duane Arnold nuclear plant, which has been closed since 2020. The plant is expected to be operational by early 2029, generating 615 MW of power, with Google purchasing the majority of the output to fuel its expanding AI-driven infrastructure in the region[1][3][5]. NextEra Energy's CEO, John Ketchum, stated that this partnership "marks an important milestone" and accelerates the development of next-generation nuclear technology[1][3].
🔄 Updated: 10/29/2025, 7:11:18 PM
Google's partnership with NextEra Energy to restart Iowa’s 615-MW Duane Arnold nuclear plant by early 2029 marks a significant shift in the competitive energy landscape, as it underscores the rising role of nuclear power in meeting surging electricity demands driven by AI and cloud infrastructure. Google will purchase the majority of power under a 25-year PPA, with Central Iowa Power Cooperative buying the surplus, ensuring local grid stability without cost burden on Iowa consumers. This deal follows similar tech-sector moves, such as Microsoft’s and Meta’s investments in nuclear energy, reflecting a broader trend where legacy nuclear assets are being revived to compete with natural gas and renewables amid rising energy consumption and decarbonization goals[1][2][3][6].
🔄 Updated: 10/29/2025, 7:21:16 PM
Public reaction to Google's partnership with NextEra Energy to revive Iowa’s Duane Arnold nuclear plant by 2029 is largely positive, with state leaders emphasizing economic and energy benefits. Iowa State Senator Charlie McClintock called the reopening a “big win for Linn County and the entire state,” highlighting the promise of reliable power and job creation[3]. Google itself projects the project will create “hundreds of new job opportunities” and help power its AI infrastructure with clean, affordable energy, framing the partnership as a model for nationwide investment in sustainable energy and economic growth[1][3].
🔄 Updated: 10/29/2025, 7:31:40 PM
## Breaking News Update: Google-NextEra Nuclear Pact Sends Stocks Surging
Shares of NextEra Energy (NEE) jumped 2% at market open this morning following confirmation of the $3 billion, 25-year deal with Google to restart Iowa’s shuttered Duane Arnold nuclear plant by early 2029—the first major U.S. attempt to revive a fully decommissioned reactor—with Google as the primary power buyer for its expanding AI and cloud data centers[2]. “Restarting Duane Arnold marks an important milestone,” said NextEra CEO John Ketchum, noting the collaboration already represents nearly 3 GW of joint energy projects nationwide[1]. JPMorgan analysts raised Alphabet’s
🔄 Updated: 10/29/2025, 7:41:22 PM
Following the announcement of Google partnering with NextEra Energy to restart Iowa’s Duane Arnold nuclear plant by 2029, NextEra Energy’s stock (NEE) rose over 1% after-hours to $87.24, reflecting investor optimism around the project’s economic and energy potential[1]. Meanwhile, Alphabet (GOOGL) saw its price target raised from $260 to $300 by JPMorgan, signaling strong market confidence driven by Google’s expanding clean energy investments to power its AI and cloud infrastructure in Iowa[2]. Ruth Porat, Alphabet’s President and Chief Investment Officer, highlighted the deal’s impact, noting it will create over 1,600 construction jobs and hundreds of permanent positions, contributing more than $34
🔄 Updated: 10/29/2025, 7:51:09 PM
Google and NextEra Energy announced a partnership to restart Iowa’s Duane Arnold Energy Center by early 2029, with Google committing to a 25-year power purchase agreement for the plant’s 615 MW output to power its AI data centers in Cedar Rapids[1][3][5]. NextEra plans to acquire full ownership of the plant, while the Central Iowa Power Cooperative will buy surplus energy; NextEra assures this reopening will not raise electricity rates for consumers[2][3]. Executives highlight this revival as a major milestone, creating hundreds of jobs, boosting Iowa’s economy, and advancing next-generation nuclear technology for reliable, clean power to support America’s expanding AI infrastructure[1][5].
🔄 Updated: 10/29/2025, 8:01:12 PM
In a significant shift in the competitive landscape of renewable energy, Google's partnership with NextEra Energy to revive Iowa's Duane Arnold nuclear plant by 2029 marks a strategic move toward reliable, low-carbon energy. This collaboration not only accelerates the development of next-generation nuclear technology but also positions Google as a leader in meeting the escalating energy demands of AI-driven operations. As noted by 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" [1][3].