In place of closed nuclear plant, new solar plant will produce — and contribute — less

In 2020, NextEra shut down the Duane Arnold Energy Center (DAEC) — a top rated, well running and efficient nuclear power plant. NextEra is now planning and promoting Duane Arnold Solar (DAS) IV.

DAS IV will require 1,460 acres for a 220 MW solar facility. In terms of actual energy production, this is the equivalent of a 55 MW nuclear power plant. The 600 MW Duane Arnold Energy Center was situated on 500 acres.

DAS IV will generate about 480,000 MWh per year. This is less than 10% of the production from DAEC in its last full year of operation.

The average retail price of electricity in Iowa over the last year is about $0.095/kWh. At this price, the income generated will be about $45.8 million per year. That is less than the annual payroll at DAEC of $85 million per year. It is much less than the income of $474 million generated by DAEC in its last full year of operation.

DAS IV will employ 1 or 2 people to operate the facility. DAEC employed 500.

DAS IV will pay $7.7 million in property taxes over the 25-year life span of the project. DAEC paid $3 million in property taxes every year which totals $75 million over 25 years.

DAS IV will contribute $1.9 million annually to the Iowa economy. DAEC contributed $255 million annually to the Iowa economy.

How can the construction of DAS IV to replace DAEC be seriously considered?

Chet Sullivan

Marion