Google Backs Nuclear Power Plant to Boost AI Capabilities

Google is turning to the reopening of a nuclear power plant to bolster the energy demands of its artificial intelligence operations, reflecting the tech giant's commitment to reliable, large-scale power sources for its rapidly expanding AI infrastructure.

AI’s Rising Energy Needs Spark Nuclear Revival

The surging development of artificial intelligence is reshaping the American energy landscape. As demand for electricity climbs sharply—after years of stagnation—major technology companies are scrambling to secure enough reliable power. Driving this shift is the explosion of generative AI, whose vast data centers require immense and constant energy input.

Tech Titans Turn to Nuclear Power

In response, some of the sector’s biggest names are turning back to a resource once sidelined: nuclear energy. On October 27, 2025, Google announced a significant deal with utility provider NextEra Energy. The centerpiece? Bringing the long-dormant Duane Arnold nuclear plant, located in Iowa, back online by early 2029. This strategic move is designed specifically to underpin the company’s expanding AI operations.

Both partners highlight that nuclear offers “clean and reliable” electricity—a critical consideration as society pivots toward greener infrastructure. Notably, this agreement marks the third such revival project in recent years, following initiatives at Palisades (Michigan) and Three Mile Island (Pennsylvania).

Nuclear Renaissance or Temporary Fix?

Several factors explain this return to older facilities:

• Nuclear plants can provide steady power for data-hungry applications.
• The rollout of newer technologies like small modular reactors (SMRs) remains several years away.
• The swift pace of digitalization is outstripping what renewables alone can deliver today.

After shutting Duane Arnold in 2020—then favoring more profitable wind farms—NextEra Energy now sees renewed potential in its atomic assets. Tech giants find themselves increasingly reliant on existing reactors to bridge a growing supply gap as their AI ambitions soar.

A Shift in America’s Energy Priorities?

This partnership between Google and NextEra signals a deeper transformation: in an era defined by digital innovation and colossal data flows, traditional solutions like nuclear power are regaining urgency. As new challenges arise from the relentless expansion of AI infrastructure, restarting older reactors could soon become standard practice—not an exception—in the quest for sustainable growth.