New York Looks to Build At Least One New Nuclear Power Plant Upstate

LEWISTON, NY—New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, at an appearance at the Niagara County Power Project here on Monday (June 23), announced she had directed the New York Power Authority to develop and construct at least one zero-emission advanced nuclear power plant in Upstate New York.

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, to support the state's electric grid, state officials said.

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.

“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,” Gov. 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.”

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.”

The state is also lending 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.

In January, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) joined Constellation on a grant proposal to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) 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, NY.

A host of business and building trade organizations expressed their support of the nuclear power plant project, including the New York State AFL-CIO, the New York State Building Trades, the Utility Workers Union of America, the Laborers International Union and the Business Council of New York State.

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.”

However, environmental groups, including the Sierra Club, decried the nuclear power plant proposal by Gov. Hochul.

Kate Bartholomew, Chair of the Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter, said, “New York needs decisive political leadership and bold investments of public dollars in renewable energy technologies we know will work. Governor Hochul’s proposal to siphon off those precious funds to subsidize new nuclear power facilities in New York will only prolong efforts to achieve our climate goals and at many times the cost. Pursuing nuclear technologies will slow the growth of safe renewable energy projects and commit New York to centuries of environmental risk as we will be forced to safeguard thousands of tons of additional radioactive waste. The Sierra Club implores Governor Hochul not to plunge NY deeper into nuclear debt, and remain steadfast to the renewable energy path we have undertaken. Nuclear power is a dangerous dead end and we urge you to stop pursuing the technology as a viable climate solution.”