New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Jan. 13 unveiled plans for a new initiative, the Nuclear Reliability Backbone, directing state agencies to establish a clear pathway for additional advanced nuclear generation to support grid reliability.
The Nuclear Reliability Backbone will be developed by a new Department of Public Service (DPS) process to consider, review, and facilitate a cost-effective pathway to 4 gigawatts of new nuclear energy that will combine with existing nuclear generation and the New York Power Authority's (NYPA) previously announced 1 gigawatt project, to create an 8.4 gigawatt “backbone” of reliable energy for New Yorkers, a news release said.
“This effort will provide firm, clean power that complements renewable energy resources and reduces reliance on fossil fuel generation. By creating a stable foundation of always-on energy, the Backbone will allow renewable resources to operate more efficiently and flexibly. Together, these actions will support a resilient, flexible, and zero-emission grid that meets New York’s growing energy needs,” the news release said.
The initiative is one of several energy-related plans rolled out by Hochul as part of her 2026 State of the State speech.
NYPA on Jan. 7 announced a robust response to solicitations issued in October 2025 seeking potential host communities and development partners as part of an initiative to develop advanced nuclear power. NYPA received 23 responses from potential developers or partners, and eight responses from Upstate New York communities.
The Power Authority’s nuclear initiative was spurred by a call from Hochul in June 2025 for NYPA to develop at least 1 gigawatt of advanced nuclear capacity in Upstate New York to address growing reliability, affordability and clean energy capacity concerns.
