They plan to construct multiple gigawatt-scale data center campuses across America—each powered by dedicated energy facilities.
NextEra Energy and Google Cloud have unveiled a partnership that will construct multiple gigawatt-scale data center campuses across America—each powered by dedicated energy facilities.
Simultaneously, the energy giant secured over 2.5 gigawatts of clean energy contracts with Meta, signaling that Big Tech’s hunger for reliable power has reached a breaking point. This isn’t just another corporate agreement—it’s the blueprint for how America will power the next decade of artificial intelligence innovation.
The scale behind this announcement is interesting. NextEra and Google Cloud plan to develop multiple new gigawatt-scale data center campuses, each accompanied by dedicated power generation facilities. To put that in perspective, a single gigawatt can power roughly 750,000 homes—and they’re planning multiple facilities of this magnitude.
The timing couldn’t be more critical. U.S. electricity consumption hit record highs in 2024, driven primarily by AI and data center expansion. This partnership addresses the surge by enabling rapid development of land acquisition, grid connections, and power generation to support continued growth.
What makes this worthy of attention is its integrated approach. Rather than scrambling to find existing power sources, the companies are building entire energy ecosystems from scratch. The first three campuses are already under development, with additional locations being explored.
The partnership transforms how energy infrastructure gets built by accelerating data center buildouts and the power systems supporting them. Instead of years-long delays waiting for grid connections, these colocated facilities can come online simultaneously.
Beyond the data center construction boom, this partnership signals something even more significant: the resurrection of America’s nuclear infrastructure. About six weeks ago, NextEra and Google announced plans to restart Iowa’s shuttered Duane Arnold Energy Center by early 2029. The 615-megawatt facility has been offline since 2020, when it was deemed too expensive compared to natural gas and wind alternatives.
The nuclear restart represents more than additional power capacity—it’s a fundamental shift in how tech companies view energy reliability. Google signed a 25-year agreement to purchase the majority of the plant’s output, demonstrating unprecedented commitment to long-term, carbon-free baseload power.
This follows a broader industry trend. The partnership comes after similar nuclear agreements between tech giants and utilities, including Microsoft’s deal with Constellation Energy. Oracle is even designing a data center powered by three small nuclear reactors.
The economic impact is substantial. The Duane Arnold restart alone will contribute approximately 400 full-time jobs, over $320 million in annual economic output, and an average of $3 million in annual tax revenues.
The partnership’s most intriguing element might be its technological innovation component. NextEra and Google Cloud plan to launch an AI-powered product by mid-2026 that will predict equipment failures, optimize crew scheduling, and enhance grid reliability during storms and periods of high demand. This represents AI technology being used to improve the very infrastructure that powers AI development—a self-reinforcing cycle of innovation.
The financial implications are equally compelling. NextEra raised its earnings forecasts for both 2025 and 2026, expecting adjusted profits between $3.62 and $3.70 per share this year, up from previous estimates. For 2026, the company projects earnings between $3.92 and $4.02 per share, reflecting confidence in sustained AI-driven energy demand.
The Meta contracts add another dimension of significance. NextEra secured 11 power purchase agreements and two energy storage agreements totaling over 2.5 gigawatts with the social media giant. These projects are scheduled to come online between 2026 and 2028, creating a pipeline of clean energy capacity specifically designed for AI workloads.
This convergence of nuclear power, renewable energy, and AI technology creates a new model for sustainable technological growth. Rather than viewing environmental concerns and AI advancement as competing priorities, these partnerships demonstrate how they can be mutually reinforcing. The result is infrastructure that can support the next generation of AI applications while maintaining commitments to carbon reduction and grid reliability.
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