Overview
- NextEra and Google signed a 25-year power purchase agreement tied to reviving the 615‑MW Duane Arnold Energy Center by early 2029, subject to regulatory approvals.
- NextEra agreed to buy out Central Iowa Power Cooperative and Corn Belt Power Cooperative to become sole owner, with CIPCO set to purchase remaining output on the same terms as Google.
- Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved a key waiver in August, and NextEra has initiated Nuclear Regulatory Commission licensing work needed for the restart.
- The companies project roughly 1,600 construction-period jobs, about 400 permanent roles, and around $340 million in annual statewide economic output, with NextEra saying Iowa customer rates will not rise for Google’s share.
- The restart follows the plant’s 2020 closure after storm damage and reflects a broader push by tech firms and utilities to secure firm, low-carbon power, including efforts at Palisades and Three Mile Island.