Linn County backs away from data center exception tied to nuclear power

Linn County, Iowa, supervisors decided on Monday not to pursue a proposed exception to the county's 18-month moratorium on new large-scale data center applications. This exception would have allowed data centers tied to nuclear power facilities, and the decision means the moratorium remains fully in effect for unincorporated areas of Linn County. The move follows public feedback and extensive discussions about the role of data centers as large electricity users and their potential to support the financing of new or expanded nuclear generation.

The discussion was closely linked to the Duane Arnold Energy Center near Palo, which NextEra Energy is working to restart by early 2029. Google previously announced a 25-year power purchase agreement with Duane Arnold. NextEra Energy had expressed interest in co-locating data centers at the nuclear site for future expansion, noting that such co-location is becoming common nationwide for restarting or new nuclear plants.

Linn County Board of Supervisors Chair Kirsten Running-Marquardt stated that based on feedback from individuals and communications from the nuclear plant, the board felt comfortable not moving forward with the carve-out. Charlie Nichols, Director of Planning & Development for Linn County, confirmed that while NextEra appreciates the opportunity to co-locate, they also understand the county's need for more study. The supervisors opted to use the moratorium period to continue studying the impacts of data center development instead of altering zoning rules without a specific project proposal. This decision does not affect the planned restart of the Duane Arnold nuclear plant but focuses on future data center growth and potential plant expansion.