Gov. Reynolds releases final report from Iowa Nuclear Energy Task Force

Governor Kim Reynolds today announced the completion of the final report from the Iowa Nuclear Energy Task Force, which was established in January to evaluate opportunities for advancing nuclear energy technologies and infrastructure in Iowa.  

The task force, established by Executive Order 17, brought together representatives from utilities, power generation companies, local government, academia, the Iowa Utilities Commission, the trades, a national laboratory and the General Assembly to examine Iowa’s role in the growing nuclear energy sector. The executive order directed the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s Energy Office to staff the task force. 

“Nuclear energy represents an important opportunity for Iowa to strengthen our energy portfolio, support economic growth and meet the increasing demand for reliable power,” Governor Reynolds said. “This task force brought together a diverse group of experts to take a thoughtful look at what Iowa can do to prepare for the opportunities ahead. Their recommendations provide a roadmap for positioning Iowa to lead in the growing nuclear industry while ensuring communities, workers and businesses are prepared to participate.” 

Over five months, the task force met seven times and evaluated Iowa’s role in the advanced nuclear energy ecosystem, opportunities to engage with the federal government, emerging nuclear technologies, regulatory considerations, workforce and education needs, supply chain opportunities, nuclear waste management and the potential for nuclear energy to support economic growth. 

The task force concluded that Iowa is well-positioned to be a leader in the growing nuclear industry, citing the state’s history of deploying new energy technologies, strong manufacturing base, workforce capabilities and leadership in the nuclear sector, including the restart of the Duane Arnold Energy Center near Palo. 

“Nuclear energy has the potential to provide firm, reliable power as energy demand continues to grow in Iowa, the Midwest and across the country,” said Dr. Mark Nutt, chairman of the Iowa Nuclear Energy Task Force. “Iowa has strong education, trades, manufacturing and workforce foundations that uniquely position the state to participate in a growing nuclear enterprise. I’m proud of the work this task force accomplished and grateful for the opportunity to help evaluate how nuclear energy can responsibly and effectively benefit Iowans.” 

The task force’s report includes nine recommendations designed to demonstrate Iowa’s readiness for the nuclear industry, prepare the state for emerging opportunities and ensure communities are informed and supported as they consider their potential role in the industry. 

The task force emphasized that successful deployment of advanced nuclear reactors in Iowa will be a complex process involving many stakeholders and that continued state leadership, advocacy and involvement will be essential.