Restarting Duane Arnold will boost energy independence

NextEra Energy’s Duane Arnold Energy Center will significantly strengthen and diversify Iowa’s energy supply should it reopen.

Nuclear power provides significant energy benefits. Not only will it diversify Iowa’s energy mix by providing a reliable source of clean energy not dependent on weather conditions — such as wind and solar — but it also strengthens our national security.

Nuclear energy is critical for maintaining American energy reliability, accounting for 18% of our nation’s electricity. The U.S. has the largest portfolio of nuclear power and we lead the way in nuclear innovation and safety practices.

We have an opportunity to restore national security and regain competitive advantage over adversary nations. Promoting a broad all-of-the-above approach to energy is critical in securing our nation’s energy dominance. While the U.S. leads the world in developing nuclear technologies, it has fallen behind China and Russia. As of April 2025, China and Russia collectively have 32 commercial reactors under construction.

We must limit our nation’s dependence on foreign energy supplies and become energy resilient should any disruptions in the global energy supply occur. By continuing to expand nuclear energy with an all-of-the-above approach, we will be able to meet growing power demands and achieve energy independence.

Not only does nuclear energy provide a significant amount of clean energy, but it also provides reliability and certainty. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, nuclear is the most reliable source of energy, operating at full capacity 92% of the time, far more reliable than other carbon-free sources or oil and gas.

As energy demands grow due in large part to data centers and emerging technologies, we must embrace a broad portfolio of American-produced energy solutions to meet that demand. Iowans deserve reliable energy, and the potential restart of the Duane Arnold Energy Center would be a significant step toward bolstering our energy security.

Investing in nuclear energy is a practical decision for Iowa and will only strengthen the state’s power supply, energy security, and future.

Tom Graves is a former U.S. representative for Georgia’s 14th congressional district.