The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority has joined Constellation on a grant proposal to the U.S. Department of Energy to support the company’s efforts to seek an early site permit from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for one or more advanced nuclear reactors at the Nine Mile Point Clean Energy Center in Oswego, New York, Constellation reported on Jan. 15.
“Constellation has previously worked with NYSERDA to develop leading clean hydrogen production and fuel cell technologies using nuclear power,” said Joe Dominguez, Constellation’s president and CEO.
“Now, NYSERDA and Constellation are once again joining together with a commitment to explore advanced nuclear energy technologies and continue the meaningful progress toward New York’s clean energy and economic development goals,” he said.
New York has already demonstrated leadership in supporting the continued operation of Constellation’s three upstate nuclear facilities, which produce nearly half the state’s clean electricity, the company said.
“NYSERDA’s cost share funding is a critical first step in helping to determine whether new nuclear can become a reality in New York, creating thousands of jobs and helping the state achieve its clean energy and reliability goals at a time of growing electricity demand,” Constellation said.
If granted, the DOE funding would be used to pursue an early site permit at Nine Mile Point.
An early site permit from the NRC approves a site for future development of a nuclear power plant. The permit is valid for 10 to 20 years, and the company can apply for a construction and operating license at any time during the permit period.
Decisions from DOE on the awardees are expected in early summer.
In further support of new nuclear development, New York has announced that it will help lead a multi-state Consortium on Nuclear Energy focused on driving down costs and risk-sharing.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul’s 2025 State of the State includes the creation of a Master Plan for Responsible Advanced Nuclear Development in New York, her office noted on Jan. 14.
To guide next steps in the Master Plan process, NYSERDA recently published a Blueprint for Consideration of Advanced Nuclear Energy Technologies.
The Blueprint considers feedback from public comments on a draft released at the Future Energy Economy Summit in September 2024 to ensure it provides a comprehensive overview of issues to be considered throughout the Master Plan process, Hochul’s office said.
New York State will also co-lead a multi-state initiative facilitated by the National Association of State Energy Officials and the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Nuclear Energy Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear on advanced nuclear energy, anticipated to launch in February 2025.
In November, NYSERDA released a Request for Information to gauge communities' interest in activities to develop advanced nuclear energy technologies in New York State.
The request focuses on communities within the New York Independent System Operator Control Area Load Zones A-F, which encompasses the area of New York State north and west of the Lower Hudson Valley.
Additional information can be found on NYSERDA’s website.