Major Collaboration Targets Clean Power for AI and Economic Growth
NextEra Energy and Google have announced a significant new partnership focused on restarting the
Duane Arnold Energy Center, Iowa’s only nuclear facility, as a cornerstone to boost clean energy deployment in the United States. This collaboration, revealed on October 27, 2025, marks a pivotal step toward strengthening American grid resilience, advancing nuclear technology, and powering the next generation of artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure[1].
Powering AI with 24/7 Carbon-Free Energy
A central element of the deal is a
25-year agreement for Google to purchase carbon-free nuclear energy produced by the Duane Arnold plant after its planned restart. The 615-megawatt facility, located near Cedar Rapids, will supply Google’s rapidly growing
cloud and AI operations in Iowa, enabling the tech giant to meet rising energy demands reliably and sustainably[1][2].
- Duane Arnold is scheduled to come fully online by the first quarter of 2029, pending regulatory approvals.
- Google’s power procurement will help fund the plant’s restart and will not impact energy costs for other Iowa consumers.
Economic and Workforce Impact
Restarting the Duane Arnold Energy Center is expected to deliver substantial economic benefits across Iowa:
- Approximately 1,600 jobs—including direct, indirect, and induced roles—are anticipated during the plant’s construction phase.
- The plant’s operation will contribute over $340 million in annual economic output statewide and create about 400 permanent full-time jobs.
- In Linn County, the project will generate more than 800 jobs during construction and sustain significant local employment after completion[1].
Next Steps and Broader Nuclear Development
NextEra Energy is acquiring full ownership of the Duane Arnold plant and has signed further agreements with Google to explore the development of new nuclear facilities across the United States, potentially expanding clean energy capacity for the nation’s accelerating electricity needs[1].
Leaders Emphasize Innovation and Community Commitment
John Ketchum, chairman and CEO of NextEra Energy, emphasized the importance of the project, viewing it as a milestone for nuclear energy, job creation, local investment, and innovation. Ruth Porat, president and chief investment officer of Alphabet and Google, described the initiative as a model for nationwide energy investments needed to underpin the
AI-driven economy, emphasizing both reliability and job creation in Iowa[1].
Longstanding Relationship Supports Clean Energy Goals
This announcement extends a long-standing collaboration between NextEra and Google, with almost 3 gigawatts of energy projects already executed together across the country. The project will play a crucial role in cleanly powering AI growth, supporting both technological advances and the economic well-being of the Midwest[1][2][3].
