Milestone helps bring Iowa’s only nuclear energy center back online, strengthen grid reliability and meet growing electricity demand
NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE) announced that it and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), through its Office of Energy Dominance Financing (EDF), have reached a combined conditional commitment and financial close on a loan of up to $1.9 billion to support the restart of the company’s Duane Arnold Energy Center in Iowa. This milestone moves the company closer to restoring Iowa’s only nuclear plant and adding reliable, around-the-clock energy to the regional grid.
The Duane Arnold Energy Center, a 615-megawatt nuclear facility in Linn County, Iowa, is expected to create substantial economic benefits for Iowa and the surrounding region. A study estimated that the restart could generate more than $9 billion in economic benefits for Iowa over 25 years, create thousands of American jobs during construction and refurbishment, support more than 400 permanent high-paying jobs during operations and generate approximately $75 million in tax revenue over the life of the project.
Last October, NextEra Energy announced plans to restart the Duane Arnold Energy Center no later than the first quarter of 2029, pending regulatory approvals. The DOE loan will help NextEra Energy return Duane Arnold to service for its customers, advancing one of the most significant nuclear restart efforts underway in the U.S.
John Ketchum, chairman, president and CEO of NextEra Energy, said: “Restarting Duane Arnold is about delivering new power to meet new demand while generating billions of dollars in economic value for Iowans. Just as importantly, it shows how America can support rapid economic growth and rising electricity demand while helping keep power affordable for existing customers. By bringing new generation online to serve new demand, we can strengthen the grid, create hundreds of good-paying jobs and help ensure Iowa families and businesses are not asked to bear the costs of growth. We appreciate the Administration’s leadership in advancing America’s nuclear renaissance and share its commitment to an all-of-the-above energy strategy that expands supply, strengthens energy security and keeps America competitive.”
U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy James P. Danly said: “President Trump has set an ambitious course to restore American nuclear leadership, and the restart of Duane Arnold Nuclear Plant in Iowa marks another step in advancing America’s nuclear renaissance. Returning 615 megawatts of reliable baseload generation will drive down electricity costs, while supporting thousands of American jobs. This Administration is pursuing a comprehensive nuclear strategy, restarting existing reactors, increasing the output of our nuclear fleet, and accelerating new construction, to build the abundant, affordable, and reliable power system required for American prosperity and reindustrialization.”
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds said: “This commitment from the Administration further demonstrates the importance of the Duane Arnold restart and future nuclear development. I was proud to sign a bill that will provide incentives for nuclear power development, which will put Iowa in the forefront of innovation in the industry. New nuclear development and the restart of Duane Arnold will meet our growing energy demand while also providing hundreds of good-paying jobs throughout the state.”
More about Duane Arnold Energy Center
The Duane Arnold Energy Center operated safely and reliably for more than four decades before ceasing operations in 2020. NextEra Energy is pursuing the restart through a comprehensive regulatory, operational readiness and licensing process. Under the oversight of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and other federal, state and local agencies, the company continues to conduct extensive inspections, engineering evaluations and readiness activities. In June, the Iowa Utilities Commission issued a certificate to NextEra Energy authorizing the construction and operation of Duane Arnold โ another important milestone toward restarting the plant.
About NextEra Energy
NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE) is the largest electric power and energy infrastructure company in North America, the world’s leader in renewables and storage and a leading provider of electricity to American homes and businesses. Headquartered in Juno Beach, Florida, NextEra Energy is a Fortune 200 company that owns Florida Power & Light Company, America’s largest electric utility, which provides reliable electricity to approximately 12 million people across Florida. NextEra Energy also owns the largest energy infrastructure development company in the U.S., NextEra Energy Resources, LLC. NextEra Energy and its affiliated entities are meeting America’s growing energy needs with a diverse mix of energy sources, including renewables, battery storage, nuclear and natural gas. For more information about NextEra Energy companies, visit these websites: www.NextEraEnergy.com, www.FPL.com, www.NextEraEnergyResources.com.
Last Updated on September 9, 2026 3:22 pm by Juhasz “the Mage” Gabor | Published on September 9, 2026 by Juhasz “the Mage” Gabor
