Google Data Centers Are Returning Nuclear Power to Tornado Country

The Duane Arnold Energy Center in Iowa, the state’s only nuclear plant, was prematurely shut down in 2020 after a powerful derecho—a widespread, high-wind thunderstorm—severed all external power lines and destroyed its cooling towers. This forced an emergency shutdown and reliance on backup systems to stabilize the reactor. Although the plant was nearing scheduled decommissioning, the storm damage and safety risks highlighted vulnerabilities to extreme weather. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) assessed the event as one of the highest risk precursors to a severe nuclear accident in the U.S. during recent years, though no significant core damage occurred. Despite its dormancy since 2020, the plant is now slated for reopening in 2029 due to a power-purchasing agreement between its owner, NextEra Energy, and Google, which is expanding data centers nearby. Google will help cover recommissioning costs and purchase most of the plant’s output for 25 years, aiming to secure over 600