Iowa nuclear plant being considered for revival as data center demand rises

NextEra Energy, a utility giant, is currently exploring the possibility of restarting the Duane Arnold nuclear power plant in Iowa. This decision comes in response to the expressed interest from certain customers who are looking to utilize the energy generated by the plant for their nearby data centers.

During a third-quarter earnings call on Wednesday, CEO John Ketchum informed investors that the company is seriously contemplating the idea of reviving a retired nuclear plant to address the increasing demand, following the footsteps of Holtec and Constellation Energy.

According to Bloomberg, Ketchum expressed the busy state of affairs at Duane Arnold, stating, “We are currently occupied with assessing Duane Arnold. Our keen interest lies in the possible recommissioning of the plant.”

The Duane Arnold nuclear plant, located a mere 8 miles northwest of Cedar Rapids, commenced operations in February 1975. Sadly, the 600-megawatt facility was forced to cease operations in 2020 due to the termination of a significant power purchase agreement with one of its major customers. Despite being licensed to operate until 2034, the plant’s closure marked the end of an era.

In June, Ketchum stated that NextEra Energy would consider bringing the plant back online if it could be done safely and within budget.

In September, Microsoft made headlines when it revealed its intention to partner with Constellation Energy in a purchase agreement. Their goal? To bring the Three Mile Island nuclear plant back to life in order to meet the power demands of their data centers.

Following suit, both Google and Amazon also recently announced their individual plans to invest in the development of small modular reactors.

It’s not just the tech giants that are showing interest in nuclear power, as Holtec International is currently seeking approval to reopen the Palisades Nuclear Plant on Lake Michigan by the end of next year.

“It’s no longer a matter of whether new nuclear power will be implemented,” stated Craig Piercy, CEO of the American Nuclear Society, in an interview with the Washington Examiner. “The focus now lies on determining the extent and pace at which it will be implemented.”

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