NextEra cleared to restart 601 MW Duane Arnold nuclear power plant

• 30 days ago (2025-08-29)
• David Flin

North America 1056 Nuclear 703

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The US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has approved a waiver request from NextEra Energy , enabling the company to restart the 601 MW Duane Arnold nuclear power plant in Iowa, USA.

The plant could potentially resume commercial operations by 2030.

In its waiver request, NextEra noted that key equipment for recommissioning, including generator step-up transformers, will not be delivered until 2028. NextEra also highlighted that it is currently working to reinstate the plant’s operating licence from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), which will involve safety reviews, environmental assessments, and public consultations, all of which could include potential delays.

Duane Arnold is a single-unit BWR that began commercial service in 1975. NextEra Energy acquired a 70 per cent ownership stake in 2006 and operated the facility until its decommissioning in 2020.