Duane Arnold Energy Center Restarting for the Future of Energy in the U.S.

Duane Arnold Energy Center, as Iowa's only nuclear facility, is expected to be fully operational in the first quarter of 2029. This project aims to create approximately 400 high-quality, full-time jobs in Iowa and to contribute more than $9 billion to the economy.

NextEra Energy has signed a 25-year power purchase agreement with Google to enhance the energy production of Duane Arnold and to explore the broader deployment of nuclear energy across the country.

Juno Beach, Florida and Mountain View, California, October 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- NextEra Energy aims to strengthen U.S. nuclear leadership and respond to growing energy demand with clean, reliable nuclear energy through two significant agreements with Google.

Duane Arnold Energy Center, located near Cedar Rapids in Iowa, will serve as a 24/7 carbon-free energy source to support Google's expanding cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure when it becomes operational, with a capacity of 615 MW.

With the power purchase agreement for carbon-free nuclear energy from the Duane Arnold facility, the existing minority partners at the facility, Central Iowa Power Cooperative (CIPCO), will also purchase the remaining production portion under the same conditions. NextEra Energy has signed purchase agreements to acquire the combined 30% stake of CIPCO and Corn Belt Power Cooperative, bringing NextEra Energy's ownership to 100%.

The relaunch of the Duane Arnold facility, which was closed in 2020, and its energy supply to the electrical grid is expected to occur in the first quarter of 2029, subject to regulatory approvals.

This strategic collaboration supporting artificial intelligence (AI) growth will enable Google to responsibly scale its business needs. NextEra Energy's strategic investments in nuclear and advanced generation energy support the widespread adoption of AI for Google to boost the U.S. economy, create new job opportunities, accelerate scientific advancements, and strengthen national security.

NextEra Energy and Google have also signed an agreement to develop new nuclear energy production in the U.S.; this will help meet the country's increasing electricity needs.

John Ketchum, Chairman and CEO of NextEra Energy, stated, "The restart of Duane Arnold is a significant milestone for NextEra Energy. Our partnership with Google not only brings nuclear energy back to Iowa but also accelerates the development of next-generation nuclear technology."

According to a recent economic study, the following economic benefits are expected from the reactivation of Duane Arnold:

Across Iowa: more than 1,600 direct, indirect, and induced job opportunities.

Annual economic output of $340 million during the operational period.

In Linn County: more than 800 direct, indirect, and induced job opportunities and approximately 400 direct, full-time jobs.

During construction, local total earnings exceeding $89 million and long-term earnings exceeding $127 million are anticipated.

Annual economic output of $320 million during operations.

Annual average tax revenue of $3 million to support schools, infrastructure, and fire-rescue services.

CIPCO CEO Andrew St. John expressed, "We are proud of the Duane Arnold Energy Center, and nuclear energy will once again contribute to our state's energy future."

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds remarked, "This exciting announcement further solidifies Iowa's leadership in bolstering America's artificial intelligence infrastructure."

Finally, the revival of Duane Arnold has involved comprehensive engineering assessments and close coordination with local communities. NextEra Energy is proactively working with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and other state authorities to ensure a safe, timely, and appropriate service return.