Jun 23, 2025
First New Nuclear Power Construction in New York State in a Generation
New York Power Authority to Develop a New Nuclear Facility to Be Built in Upstate New York
Contributes to Achieving an Affordable, Reliable and Safe Power Grid on the State’s Path to a Clean Energy Economy
Governor Kathy Hochul today directed the New York Power Authority (NYPA) 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 Governor 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,” Governor 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.
New York Power Authority 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 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.”
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 Governor 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.”
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority 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 Governor 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 Governor 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 (UWUA) 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 & New England Regional Manager Donato A. Bianco, Jr. said, “Governor 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.”
Manufacturers Association of Central New York President & CEO Randy Wolken said, “Advanced nuclear power provides safe, abundant, reliable, and carbon-free energy that will be a critical source in supporting fast-growing, high-tech industry sectors to include microchips, AI, biotechnology, advanced radar systems, and many others. MACNY applauds Governor Hochul's leadership on this crucial issue and looks forward to collaborating with NYPA as the project is developed and constructed.”
Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier Executive Director Todd Tranum said, “We appreciate and support Governor Hochul and her administration’s effort to evaluate and seek to implement advanced nuclear in New York State. To maintain and grow manufacturing and expand our overall economy we need more power on the grid. The safety advancements in nuclear technology, low operating costs, reliability and zero carbon emissions make it a viable choice for the overall energy production portfolio of New York State. We are encouraged as well by the private and public partnership that will be established in this effort to expand power production in the State.”
IBEW International Vice President Dennis Affinati said, "The IBEW applauds Governor Hochul’s decision to direct the New York Power Authority to build a new advanced nuclear generating facility in Upstate New York. Not only will the addition of the plant help supply reliable, clean energy to the citizens of New York but it will create thousands of good paying skilled construction jobs while its being built and hundreds of family sustaining permanent jobs when it comes one line. We thank the Governor for her vision of achieving economic growth through the development of clean advanced nuclear power."
The Business Council of New York State President & CEO Heather Mulligan said, “Governor 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 & CEO Gavin Donohue said, “Governor 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 Governor Hochul’s inclusion of Farm Bureau as we explore this critical avenue.”
“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.”
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 Governor 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.”
Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Bob Duffy said, “In Governor Hochul’s own words, New York needs an all-of-the-above energy approach that is both reliable and sustainable — and nuclear energy is a vital part of that strategy. This investment strengthens our clean energy future while addressing one of the top concerns of our business community: access to reliable, affordable power. Nuclear energy not only ensures grid stability as demand rises, but it does so in a way that is environmentally responsible. Governor Hochul’s leadership on this matter supports long-term economic growth and reinforces New York’s commitment to business growth, attracting investment, and building a resilient, green economy.”
North Country Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Garry Douglas said, “As we work to attract and to grow modern manufacturing, the availability of electricity is now a top question and requirement. From the looming demands of AI to newer industrial processes, the economic opportunities before us require major expansions in both supply and transmission. The state will not meet future demand without a diverse strategy that includes a serious look at state-of-the-art approaches to nuclear as Europe is doing. And public-private partnership is essential.”
Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce, and the Agency Broome County IDA/LDC CEO of the Leadership Alliance Stacey Duncan said, “One of the most critical questions we get asked as part of the site selection process is whether there is readily available, reliable power that can meet the demands of industry. Gov. Hochul's vision for advanced nuclear energy will help ensure we can capitalize on development opportunities that deliver local jobs, tax revenues and other spinoff benefits that revitalize our communities. We look forward to seeing NYPA's work take shape and will continue to work with the state to bring development to the Southern Tier that can tap into new energy resources as they come online.”
Capital Region Chamber of Commerce and Center for Economic Growth President and CEO Mark Eagan said,“Nuclear energy will provide new, clean and reliable energy for generations to come, while also creating good-paying jobs and bolstering the state’s local economies. The Capital Region Chamber of Commerce and the Center for Economic Growth thank Governor Hochul for her efforts to bring New York into the 21st century and putting New Yorkers at the forefront as the state transitions away from fossil fuels.”
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 Governor Hochul for her leadership in positioning New York as a global center for next-generation semiconductor manufacturing and a model for clean energy innovation.”
Tech:NYC President and CEO Julie Samuels said, “New Yorkers need a safe, abundant, and affordable supply of clean energy. Our state's leadership on developing these technologies will not only create jobs and drive economic progress, but will directly improve the everyday lives of all New Yorkers, making this plant a cornerstone of New York’s long-term prosperity. Nuclear power has a key role to play in the development of carbon-free energy, necessary for leading the energy transition, achieving our state’s climate goals, keeping NY affordable, and securing New York’s position as an innovation leader. We commend Governor Hochul for her leadership, as New York continues to lead in research and development of critical technologies.”
CenterState President and CEO Robert Simpson said, “Governor Hochul is taking a critical step to ensure New York can meet its surging energy needs while advancing the state’s nation-leading climate goals. As New York emerges as a global hub for semiconductors, microelectronics, AI, and other critical industries, clean and reliable nuclear energy must play a central role in powering that growth. The NYISO’s 2025 Power Trends Report makes it clear - the state will need 2.5 gigawatts of new power by 2035 — and over 40% of that will be needed in Central New York alone. We commend the governor for recognizing the urgency and taking bold action to secure New York’s energy future today.”
Nuclear New York Chair Dietmar Detering said, “With her action today, Governor Hochul is making the smartest use of public power. Nuclear energy is not new to NYPA—it has built and operated reactors for decades. By directing the Power Authority to develop advanced nuclear capacity, the Governor is building upon that legacy to address today’s climate and reliability challenges. This is bold, practical leadership that will benefit generations of New Yorkers.”
Generation Atomic Executive Director Eric Meyer said, “Governor Hochul gets what many politicians miss - that solving climate change requires sophisticated thinking about complex energy systems, not simple slogans. This advanced nuclear initiative shows the mature, science-driven leadership we need to make New York's energy cleaner and more affordable.”
Mothers for Nuclear Co-Founder Heather Hoff said, “By supporting the advancement of nuclear, Governor Kathy Hochul has shown that she shares the hope of moms everywhere for a clean energy future that enables our children to have healthy, productive lives. We congratulate New York on this forward-looking step toward realizing one of our most promising tools to reduce emissions and power modern society.”
NiCE Columbia (Nuclear is Clean Energy) Co-founder Hunter Dare said, “Students and young people today understand that meeting America’s growing energy needs—driven by electrification, data centers, and industrial demand—requires clean, reliable power around the clock. Advanced nuclear is the only 24/7 zero-emission technology ready today that can deliver on that promise. We applaud Governor Hochul for taking national leadership in making safe, advanced nuclear power a reality for our future.”
Clean Air Task Force Senior Northeast Policy Manager John Carlson said, “Nuclear energy is an essential strategic asset in the face of a rapidly electrifying economy and mounting threats from climate change. Every successful scaling of nuclear resources began with a strong state-led procurement or sponsorship, just as we witnessed with the rapid scaling of renewables. Putting NYPA at the front of this task follows a proven playbook to quickly build scale and learning, bring costs down, and enable us to deploy this important clean technology faster.”
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.”