Saturday, August 23, 2025

Data Center Boom Could Revive Dormant Iowa Nuclear Plant

Rising energy demands from the technology sector could breathe new life into Iowa’s dormant Duane Arnold nuclear facility, as utility giant NextEra Energy (NYSE: NEE) explores restarting the plant.

The 601-megawatt facility, which powered down in 2020 near Cedar Rapids, has caught the attention of data center operators searching for reliable energy sources. During NextEra’s latest earnings discussion, CEO John Ketchum cited the plant’s boiling water reactor technology as a potential advantage for cost-effective recommissioning.

Big tech has been leading a revival in nuclear power demand. Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) recently pioneered this trend by agreeing to purchase the entire output of a revitalized Three Mile Island facility for two decades. Other tech leaders have followed suit: Amazon (Nasdaq: AMZN) has committed to multiple small modular reactor (SMR) projects, Google, owned by Alphabet (Nasdaq: GOOGL) secured a 500-megawatt deal with Kairos Power, and data center operator Equinix (Nasdaq: EQIX) plans to purchase 500 megawatts from nuclear startup Oklo.

Ketchum highlighted Duane Arnold’s strategic value as one of only two merchant nuclear plants west of the Mississippi. He noted that while newer nuclear technologies like SMRs aren’t expected to be commercially viable until the late 2030s, the existing facility could be recommissioned sooner. 

The surge in power requirements, driven largely by artificial intelligence operations, extends beyond tech companies. Ketchum observed that manufacturers and other industries are increasingly competing for reliable, cost-effective power sources, creating what he termed a “rising tide” effect on energy markets.

NextEra has not yet disclosed the estimated costs for reviving the facility, as the evaluation remains in the early stages.


Information for this story was found via the sources and companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.

Video Articles

Artemis Q2 Earnings: Strong Start For A New Operator

A Medical Breakthrough the Market Overlooked | David Elsley – Cardiol Therapeutics

Why Grade Beats Size in Silver Mining | Frank Basa – Nord Precious Metals

Recommended

Emerita Resources Expands El Cura Drill Program By 10,000 Metres As Deposit Remains Open For Expansion

ESGold Signs MOU For Tailings Project In Colombia With Grades Up To 42 g/t Gold, 280 g/t Silver

Related News

Pro-Nuclear Nations Rally for Industry Revival at Brussels Summit

Pro-nuclear European nations and energy experts called for a revival of nuclear power at a...

Friday, March 22, 2024, 08:24:48 AM

Amazon Also Backs Small Modular Reactors in Latest Clean Energy Push

Amazon (Nasdaq: AMZN) has announced plans to invest in nuclear energy projects, focusing on Small...

Thursday, October 17, 2024, 11:05:00 AM

Extending The Life Of Germany’s Nuclear Power Plants “Makes Sense”: Chancellor Olaf Scholz

After months of dillydallying on its nuclear energy policy amidst a looming security crisis, German...

Thursday, August 4, 2022, 02:57:00 PM

US Moves Again To Boost Local Nuclear Industry

The Biden administration has announced steps to bolster the domestic nuclear industry and advance America’s...

Thursday, May 30, 2024, 02:40:00 PM

Microsoft, OpenAI Reportedly Plans $100-Billion Supercomputer Fueled by Nuclear Power

Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) is reportedly gearing up to construct a colossal $100 billion data center,...

Thursday, May 9, 2024, 01:10:00 PM