Gov. Hochul Directs NY Power Authority to Develop Zero-Emission Nuclear Energy Technology Power Plant in Upstate New York

(Albany, New York) Governor Kathy Hochul today (Jun. 23) during a speech at the Niagara Power Project directed the New York Power Authority (NYPA) to develop and construct a zero-emission advanced nuclear power plant in Upstate New York with the goal of supporting a reliable and affordable energy grid with zero-emission electricity, according to New York State’s official website.

Photo of Governor Hochul making an Energy Announcement at the Niagara Power Project courtesy of the official website of New York State.

Specifically, 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 New York state’s electric grid, according to today’s announcement on the New York State website.

NYPA will immediately begin to evaluate technologies, business models, and locations for this first nuclear power plant and will secure the key partnerships needed for the project, according to today’s announcement.

Governor Hochul’s directive builds on a series of opportunities announced in her January 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.”

Per today’s announcement, 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, according to today’s announcement.

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.”