Hochul directs New York Power Authority to develop a zero-emission advanced nuclear energy technology power plant

NYPA to develop new nuclear facility to be built in upstate New York

Submitted by the Office of Gov. Kathy Hochul 

On Monday, Gov. Kathy Hochul directed the New York Power Authority to develop and construct a zero-emission advanced nuclear power plant in upstate New York to support a reliable and affordable electric grid, while providing the necessary zero-emission electricity to achieve a clean energy economy. This builds on other opportunities announced in Hochul’s 2025 State of the State to catalyze nuclear energy development in New York.

“As New York state electrifies its economy, deactivates aging fossil fuel power generation and continues to attract large manufacturers that create good-paying jobs, we must embrace an energy policy of abundance that centers on energy independence and supply chain security to ensure New York controls its energy future,” Hochul said. “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.”

As a result of economic growth and fossil fuel power plant retirements, New York needs new, clean electricity resources to meet growing power demand from new industrial development, building electrification and electric vehicles. The advanced nuclear plant will complement New York’s ongoing deployment of renewable energy by adding zero-emission baseload power, providing reliable and affordable clean energy to advance the state’s goal to achieve a clean energy economy.

NYPA, in coordination with the Department of Public Service (DPS), 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, to support the state's electric grid and the people and businesses that rely on it.

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 (NYSERDA) 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.

This 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.

Gov. Kathy Hochul directed the New York Power Authority to develop and construct a zero-emission advanced nuclear power plant in upstate New York to support a reliable and affordable electric grid, while providing the necessary zero-emission electricity to achieve a clean energy economy. (Photos by Darren McGee/Office of Gov. Kathy Hochul)

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NYPA President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll 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. I am honored by Gov. 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.”

New York State Public Service Commission Chair and DPS CEO Rory Christian said, “The Department of Public Service very much looks forward to working with NYPA on this important initiative announced by Gov. Hochul. Working together, we will develop a project-based plan and identify the substantial potential that nuclear power can provide to New Yorkers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, provide grid reliability, and support and complement other innovative energy generation and storage technologies – all in a cost-effective manner.”

NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “The use of advanced nuclear technology can provide the state with a greater diversity of its energy resources that will support New York’s goal of a growing economy with a reliable, zero-emission electricity system. As NYSERDA advances the state’s master plan process, we look forward to collaborating with NYPA and DPS to undertake this advanced nuclear project and how it will help deliver reliable, affordable energy to our grid, while stimulating jobs and economic development.”

New York State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento said, “New York’s clean energy future depends on reviving and expanding nuclear power. Without it, emissions are rising, and grid reliability is at risk. We support Gov. Hochul’s vision of investing in nuclear energy to stabilize our power system and meet our climate goals while creating good-paying, family-sustaining, union careers to build a stronger, greener economy for all New Yorkers.”

New York State Building Trades President Gary LaBarbera said, “The development of nuclear plants is a proven method for not only lowering emissions and generating reliable energy, but also creating thousands of family-sustaining, union careers that pump economic stimulus into local communities. The expansion of our nuclear capabilities has long been a missing piece of New York's pursuit of our climate goals and the construction of a new power plant will be crucial to the success of our green economy. We applaud Gov. Hochul and the New York Power Authority for recognizing this need and laying the foundation necessary to set this new development in motion. The addition of this location to our fleet of nuclear plants will enhance the livelihoods of countless New Yorkers by limiting harmful pollutants, cutting energy costs, and bolstering the middle class in our local communities."

Utility Workers Union of America President James Slevin said, “We’re glad the state recognizes the need for growing grid capacity and understands that nuclear is the right choice. This zero-emission energy source will deliver grid stability and help meet the needs of businesses and consumers as demands on the power grid continue to add up. Advanced nuclear energy technology has come a long way. It is without a doubt the right choice to power New York’s future in a way that will create family and community-supporting union jobs and benefit the economy.”

Laborers' International Union of North America Vice President and New England Regional Manager Donato A. Bianco Jr. said, “Gov. Hochul is right to recognize that nuclear energy must play a central role in New York’s energy future. If we’re serious about meeting our climate goals and sustaining the thousands of good-paying, union careers that come with green infrastructure, new nuclear development is essential. The governor’s announcement is a strong step forward that reaffirms New York’s climate leadership while creating long-term career opportunities for New York’s skilled tradesmen and tradeswomen. We look forward to working closely with her administration to ensure these projects strengthen our energy economy and support working families for generations to come.” 

The Business Council of New York State President and CEO Heather Mulligan said, “Gov. Hochul is taking a significant step forward in identifying and securing dispatchable emission-free resources that are critical to meeting the state’s energy-reliability and emission-reduction goals. New York's energy sector has the experience, resources and talent to produce and distribute clean, safe and reliable nuclear power. As we move forward with the state’s long-term energy and environmental goals, it is essential that we continue to explore all options for adequate and affordable energy for business and residential customers alike.”

Independent Power Producers of New York President and CEO Gavin Donohue said, “Gov. Hochul’s announcement is an important step forward toward New York achieving its clean energy goals. We welcome the state's commitment to exploring all zero-emission technologies, including nuclear, as part of an all-of-the-above strategy, as New York's energy future depends on a balanced, reliable and affordable approach to decarbonization. A competitive solicitation process for independent power producers to advance this project ensures transparency and innovation, delivering a reliable and affordable electric grid for all New Yorkers. Achieving the state's clean energy goals requires technologies that can provide reliable, dispatchable power, and nuclear energy is a proven solution that fits that need.”

New York Farm Bureau President David Fisher said, “New York Farm Bureau recognizes the need for clean energy sources as we move to replace fossil fuels and find sustainable solutions. Nuclear power is clean, has a relatively small land footprint, and is a longer-term solution than wind or solar power. We applaud the governor for recognizing that wind and solar alone will not meet the growing demands of the electrical grid in New York. Nuclear power can also create many high-paying jobs for people across the Empire State. As we continue to investigate options for safe power – and the science behind them – we must consider nuclear power as a viable source of energy. We appreciate Gov. Hochul’s inclusion of Farm Bureau as we explore this critical avenue.”

New York State Economic Development Council Executive Director Ryan M. Silva said, “Access to affordable, reliable and clean electricity is critical to our economic development goals here in New York. Today’s announcement shows the power and importance in public/private partnerships to help accomplish these goals. Thank you to Gov. Hochul for her actions as she takes real and meaningful steps to provide all New Yorkers with reliable, safe and affordable energy. This shows true leadership and it will have long-lasting benefits from Buffalo to Long Island.”

Invest Buffalo Niagara President and CEO Tom Kucharski said, “The Buffalo Niagara Region is a prime destination for advanced manufacturing companies – each creating new, high-paying jobs in our region, but also requiring large and increasing power demands. The announcement of this new nuclear plant will even better position our region and state to both capture inbound interest and service the companies that do choose to call here home.”

Micron Technology Chairman, President and CEO Sanjay Mehrotra said, “A critical factor in the success of the semiconductor ecosystem is access to affordable, reliable energy. We commend New York state for advancing an all-of-the-above energy strategy – including nuclear power – which is essential to supporting high-tech manufacturing, ensuring long-term energy resilience, and maintaining America’s global competitiveness.”

GlobalFoundries Executive Chairman Dr. Thomas Caulfield said, “As demand for semiconductor manufacturing continues to grow, so does the need for reliable, affordable and clean energy in upstate New York. At GlobalFoundries, our operations – and our ‘Journey to Zero Carbon’ – depend on access to affordable high-quality power that supports both performance and sustainability. Nuclear must be part of New York’s clean energy future, essential to advance the state’s carbon-neutral goals and the climate commitments of companies like GF and the customers we serve. We commend Gov. Hochul for her leadership in positioning New York as a global center for next-generation semiconductor manufacturing and a model for clean energy innovation.”

Cornell Professor and Senior Faculty Fellow at Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability Lindsay Anderson said, “Meeting the ambitious decarbonization goals of New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) will require not only maximizing renewable energy, but also ensuring a stable supply of clean, dispatchable electricity. This is especially critical as the state prepares for a surge in electricity demand driven by the rapid growth of data centers and high-tech manufacturing. A 1 GW advanced nuclear power plant in New York would be a strategic investment – bolstering grid reliability, supporting economic development, and helping to turn the CLCPA’s vision into a resilient and achievable reality.”