Iowa’s energy demand entering new growth phase, says nuclear task force report
Iowa's electricity demand is significantly increasing due to data centers and manufacturing, creating pressure for new reliable power sources. The Iowa Nuclear Energy Task Force has released its final report, recommending a statewide roadmap to advance nuclear energy technologies and infrastructure to meet this growing demand.
Gov. Kim Reynolds announced the completion of the final report from the Iowa Nuclear Energy Task Force, established in January to evaluate opportunities for advancing nuclear energy technologies and infrastructure in the state. The task force concluded that Iowa is well-positioned to participate in the emerging U.S. nuclear industry, driven by escalating electricity demand from data centers, manufacturing, and industrial expansion.
The report highlights that Iowa's future economic growth may depend on securing new sources of reliable power, citing data center development and industrial electrification as key drivers. Retail energy sales in Iowa increased by 24% from 2015 to 2025, with industrial customers, including data centers, accounting for 51% of all retail energy sales as of 2025. The Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) predicts annual peak demand growth of 2% through 2035, specifically noting data centers in the Des Moines area as key load growth areas.
The report recommends nine actions, including a statewide feasibility study for new nuclear developments, exploring supply-chain incentives, a "nuclear-ready" community program, and efforts to attract federal funding. Google is mentioned as a power purchaser, having signed an agreement with NextEra for power from the planned restart of the Duane Arnold Energy Center to serve a potential new data center in Palo. The report also suggests Iowa businesses could become part of the national nuclear supply chain, despite acknowledging risks such as cost overruns and construction delays in historical nuclear projects.
Mark Nutt, chairman of the Iowa Nuclear Energy Task Force, emphasized that nuclear energy could provide reliable power as demand grows across Iowa and the Midwest, leveraging the state's strong foundations in education, trades, manufacturing, and workforce development.