How does nuclear fit into Iowa data center discussions?
Iowa officials are examining nuclear power as a way to meet rising electricity demand from data centers and manufacturing. Linn County supervisors included an exemption for nuclear-linked data centers in a moratorium but later rejected it after residents raised concerns about restarting nuclear facilities and how their power would benefit local communities.
Iowa’s electricity demand is projected to rise substantially through 2044, driven in part by data centers and conventional manufacturing. A state nuclear energy task force created by Gov. Kim Reynolds recommended a program to help communities assess whether hosting nuclear facilities would be feasible, while the Iowa Economic Development Authority prepares a broader feasibility study.
The discussion is closely tied to the potential restart of NextEra Energy’s Duane Arnold Energy Center near Palo, which could return to service in late 2028 or early 2029 if it receives regulatory approval. Linn County Supervisor Brandy Meisheid said the county’s data center moratorium briefly included an exemption for facilities connected to nuclear projects, but supervisors removed it after residents questioned whether nuclear development would primarily benefit data centers rather than the surrounding communities. Alliant Energy continues to evaluate nuclear and other generation sources as part of its energy strategy.