New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on June 23 directed the New York Power Authority to develop and construct an advanced nuclear power plant in Upstate New York.
This builds on other opportunities announced in Hochul’s 2025 State of the State to catalyze nuclear energy development in New York.
“This is the second time during my administration that I am calling on the New York Power Authority to lead a critical energy initiative, and just as it is doing with the expedited buildout of renewable energy and transmission, it will now safely and rapidly deploy clean, reliable nuclear power for the benefit of all New Yorkers,” Hochul said.
“Time and time again, the Power Authority has been called upon by New York State leadership to take bold action and we have delivered outcomes to support the public good,” said NYPA President and CEO Justin Driscoll. “I am honored by Governor Hochul’s confidence in NYPA to lead the buildout of the affordable and reliable clean energy economy of the future and we are eager to deliver on this impactful nuclear initiative for New Yorkers.”
NYPA, in coordination with the Department of Public Service, will seek to develop at least one new nuclear energy facility with a combined capacity of no less than one gigawatt of electricity, either alone or in partnership with private entities.
NYPA will immediately begin evaluation of technologies, business models, and locations for this first nuclear power plant and will secure the key partnerships needed for the project.
This process will include site and technology feasibility assessments as well as consideration of financing options, in coordination with the forthcoming studies included in the master plan for Responsible Advanced Nuclear Development in New York, led by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and DPS.
Candidate locations will be assessed for suitability based on public safety, strength of community support, compatibility with existing infrastructure, as well as skilled labor and land availability.
The initiative also builds on the state’s ongoing financial support to Constellation to pursue an early site permitting process for a new project at its Nine Mile Point Clean Energy Center and will allow for future collaboration with other states and Ontario, building on regional momentum to strengthen nuclear supply chains, share best practices, and support the responsible deployment of advanced nuclear technologies.
