NextEra Energy and Google are partnering to revive a shuttered nuclear plant in Iowa, a move signaling renewed investment in nuclear power as a carbon-free energy source. The companies announced plans Tuesday to restart the Duane arnold Energy Centre near Palo, iowa, with Google committing to purchase the facility’s output.
The agreement aims to bring the 615-megawatt nuclear plant back online by 2030, providing clean energy to power Google’s data centers and operations. The Duane Arnold plant was previously owned by Central Iowa Power Cooperative but ceased operations in 2020, citing economic challenges. This collaboration represents a novel approach to nuclear plant ownership and operation,with NextEra taking on the technical aspects while google provides long-term financial backing through a power purchase agreement. The project underscores the growing demand for around-the-clock, carbon-free electricity and the potential for nuclear energy to play a key role in decarbonizing the grid.
NextEra Energy, a leading clean energy company, will oversee the plant’s refurbishment and operation, leveraging its expertise in nuclear power management. Google will purchase the energy generated by the plant, contributing to its goal of operating on 24/7 carbon-free energy by 2030. The financial details of the agreement were not disclosed.
“This is a unique opportunity to bring a valuable carbon-free resource back online,” said Eric Silagy, president and CEO of NextEra Energy Resources. “We’re excited to partner with Google to demonstrate the potential for nuclear energy to contribute to a clean energy future.”
Google’s commitment to purchasing the plant’s output provides the financial certainty needed to justify the significant investment required to restart the facility. The project is expected to create hundreds of jobs during the refurbishment process and provide a stable source of clean energy for the region.
The restart of Duane Arnold comes as the Biden administration promotes nuclear energy as a key component of its climate agenda, offering tax credits and other incentives to support the industry.The project could serve as a model for revitalizing other retired nuclear plants across the country.
