Big Tech Looking To Resurrect Nuclear Plant As Energy Demand Soars

Google is collaborating with NextEra Energy to help resurrect a nuclear power plant in Iowa to supply reliable electricity for expanding its artificial intelligence (AI) data center operations in the region.

The companies announced in a joint statement that the “cornerstone” of the collaboration will be centered around reopening Duane Arnold Energy Center, Iowa’s only nuclear power plant that was shuttered five years ago. As power demand increases after remaining stagnant for about 20 years, several states have moved to expand nuclear power or are in the process of reopening some decommissioned plants.

“Building on two decades of work in Iowa, including our recent $7 billion investment in the state this May, Google is proud to partner with NextEra Energy to reopen the Duane Arnold Energy Center – a project that will deliver nuclear energy and hundreds of new job opportunities in the Hawkeye State by the beginning of 2029,” Ruth Porat, president and chief investment officer of Alphabet and Google, said in a statement. “This partnership serves as a model for the investments needed across the country to build energy capacity and deliver reliable, clean power, while protecting affordability and creating jobs that will drive the AI-driven economy.”

A Pew Research Center poll