Iowa’s sole nuclear plant will close in 2020

Source: By Matthew Patane, Cedar Rapids Gazette • Posted: Monday, July 30, 2018

Iowa’s only nuclear power plant will close in late 2020, its owner, NextEra Energy Resources, said today.NextEra struck a deal with Alliant Energy Corp. to reduce its power purchase contract by five years, a decision that will need approval from the state utility board.

The Duane Arnold Energy Center began operation in 1975.

“The eventual closing of the Duane Arnold Energy Center is a difficult decision because of the approximately 500 highly skilled men and women who consistently have made it one of the top-performing nuclear facilities in the county,” NextEra’s President and CEO Armando Pimentel said in a release.

Plant officials say there will be gradual staff cuts leading up to 2020