Questions remain on data center nuclear deal

Last week, it was announced that the restarted Duane Arnold Energy Center at Palo will provide much of its power to Google. The company’s artificial intelligence push will create the need for more carbon-free energy.

Google is considering a site near Palo in unincorporated Linn County for another data center development. The company is currently constructing a data center in southwest Cedar Rapids. The centers primarily provide data storage and computing power to support AI.

Clearly, restarting the plant to serve data center power needs will likely create hundreds of good-paying jobs and the economic benefits of those paychecks. It will be an economic shot in the arm for Palo and the region.

But there are questions about what comes next. Will Google be a good steward of the local environment? The plant’s need for water alone should be evaluated seriously and discussed publicly.

Linn County has already, wisely, commissioned a trio of studies with the help of University of Iowa researchers to conduct groundwater studies to determine where groundwater is recharged, identify potential contaminant sources, and map areas with the highest risk of contamination, either from point sources like contaminated sites or nonpoint sources, including cropland.

Linn County has approved a nuclear energy ordinance. Among the ordinances’ requirements is a “host community agreement” that takes effect when the plan begins producing power. The agreement establishes an annual, inflation-adjusted payment to the county to support government functions and public services associated with the nuclear facility, including emergency response, infrastructure maintenance, environmental monitoring, and more.

Linn County is working on a zoning code for data centers. It has hired two consultants to evaluate the draft ordinance before finalization.

Also, the Sierra Club is raising questions about how waste will be handled and any possible health threats associated with the process. Duane Arnold’s spokesperson, Bill Orlove, insists protections will be put in place to keep employees and the public safe. Also, he said the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission sets high safety standards.

This is the right time to ask questions. We hope the drivers of these projects will take public comments and concerns seriously. These large developments will likely remain in place for years and could expand. We need to get this right.

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