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Google, NextEra to Restart Iowa’s Only Nuclear Power Plant

The tech giant plans to use energy generated by Iowa’s nuclear plant to power its artificial intelligence projects in the state.
Google, NextEra to Restart Iowa’s Only Nuclear Power Plant
Google headquarters in Mountain View, Calif., on July 31, 2025. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times
Jill McLaughlin
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Google and energy infrastructure company NextEra Energy have joined together to restart Iowa’s only nuclear power plant to help power Google’s growing artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, the companies announced Monday.

NextEra Energy owns the Duane Arnold Energy Center in Palo, Iowa, which was originally opened in 1974 but was shut down in 2020 during a windstorm that knocked it offline. The storm damaged the cooling towers.

Jill McLaughlin
Jill McLaughlin
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Jill McLaughlin is an award-winning journalist covering politics, environment, and statewide issues. She has been a reporter and editor for newspapers in Oregon, Nevada, and New Mexico. Jill was born in Yosemite National Park and enjoys the majestic outdoors, traveling, golfing, and hiking.