This article first appeared on GuruFocus.
Google (GOOGL, Financials) and NextEra Energy plan to restart Iowa’s Duane Arnold Energy Center to meet the rising energy demand from artificial intelligence infrastructure. The plant, closed since 2020, is expected to resume operations by early 2029 pending regulatory approval.
Under the agreement, Google will purchase power from the 615-megawatt facility as a 24/7 carbon-free source for its Iowa cloud and AI operations. The Central Iowa Power Cooperative will buy excess energy produced.
The rebirth comes at a time when electricity demand in the U.S. is at an all-time high and nuclear energy is getting more attention as a reliable, low-carbon power source. The Energy Information Administration says that total consumption hit an all-time high in 2024.
The project follows similar initiatives, including Constellation Energy’s partnership with Microsoft and Oracle’s plans for a nuclear-powered data center. Alphabet executive Ruth Porat said the collaboration offers a model for expanding clean, dependable energy to support the AI economy.
