NextEra, Google to Restart Duane Arnold Plant

Google and NextEra Energy announced a partnership to restart the shuttered Duane Arnold Energy Center, with Google set to buy roughly 600–615 MW under a 25-year PPA to power its expanding AI and cloud data centers. NextEra is moving to acquire the remaining minority interests so it will own 100% of the plant, while Central Iowa Power Cooperative will purchase surplus output on similar terms. The plant is targeted to be back online by early 2029 pending regulatory approvals and licensing, though the project still faces regulatory, licensing and financing hurdles. NextEra said it is planning additional generation in the Iowa area — including potential solar, wind, storage or natural gas — to accommodate future load growth, and the Department of Energy has directed FERC to speed interconnection for large loads, a move that raises questions about who will fund transmission upgrades. The restart is expected to create substantial local jobs and economic activity and has helped lift investor sentiment toward NextEra.