Google gives Palo details and water study on data center near Duane Arnold nuclear plant

Google presented details of its proposed data center near the Duane Arnold Energy Center to about 200 Palo residents at an informational open house. The company discussed the project’s construction, layout, noise, energy use and water needs, saying it would rely on the Cedar River rather than bedrock aquifers for cooling and that the river has sufficient capacity. Google has a power purchase agreement with Duane Arnold, which NextEra Energy expects to return to operation in 2029.

Google is seeking annexation of roughly 750 acres into Palo, and the city’s planning and zoning commission is scheduled to review the request. After concerns that annexation could allow the project to avoid Linn County’s data center ordinance and its water-study requirement, county supervisors signed a memorandum of understanding requiring Google to fund a nearly $250,000 regional water-balance study. Planning Director Charlie Nichols said consultants Black & Veatch will conduct the study independently, without Google’s involvement or early access, with results expected in March 2027.