The U.S. Energy Department has approved a $1.9 billion loan to support the revival of the Duane Arnold Energy Center in Iowa, which has been inactive since 2020. This funding reflects a growing interest in nuclear power as a reliable energy source for tech companies, particularly as demand for electricity surges due to the expansion of AI data centers.
The plant's restart is projected for 2029, with a portion of its output allocated to local energy needs. The trend of repurposing closed nuclear facilities is gaining traction among tech firms, as they seek sustainable energy solutions to meet increasing electricity demands, which are expected to nearly triple by 2035.