Google and NextEra to Revive Iowa Nuclear Plant for AI-Powered Future
Alphabet's Google and NextEra Energy have unveiled plans to restart Iowa's sole nuclear power plant, the Duane Arnold Energy Center, by early 2029. The initiative aims to meet Google's escalating energy demands driven by artificial intelligence and cloud computing expansion in the Midwest.
A 25-year power purchase agreement will see Google buying electricity from the facility, while NextEra acquires full ownership. The revived plant is projected to generate over 600 megawatts of clean energy, creating 400 permanent jobs and delivering $9 billion in economic benefits to Iowa.
The partners are also exploring additional nuclear development opportunities in the U.S., building on their existing clean energy collaboration. This MOVE signals how tech giants are securing sustainable power for energy-intensive computing needs.