Nuclear energy could help Iowa compete for data centers, industry
Iowa is turning to nuclear power to meet rising electricity demand from data centers and other large industrial customers. NextEra Energy plans to restart the Duane Arnold Energy Center in Palo, with most of its 615 megawatts contracted to Google Energy for a planned data center in Palo and Google considering annexation of a 545-acre Linn County site.
Iowa’s Nuclear Energy Task Force says the state should pursue nuclear power as electricity demand rises from data centers, manufacturing and industrial electrification. The task force’s recommendations include a statewide feasibility study, incentives for reactor investment and a program to help communities evaluate nuclear development. Gov. Kim Reynolds established the task force, and its report describes reliable power as an increasingly important factor in attracting large employers.
NextEra Energy plans to restart the Duane Arnold Energy Center in Palo by 2029, pending federal regulatory approval, after receiving a U.S. Department of Energy loan commitment of up to $1.9 billion. The Iowa Utilities Commission has authorized construction and operation of the facility, which is expected to generate 615 megawatts; 565 megawatts are slated for Google Energy under a power purchase agreement supporting Google’s planned data center in Palo. Google is considering annexing a 545-acre site in unincorporated Linn County and planned a public meeting before filing an application with the city.