Embracing a Clean Energy Future: Power Authority Leads Bold Initiative to Deliver 1 Gigawatt of Nuclear Power
Last month, Governor Kathy Hochul announced a groundbreaking initiative that marks a pivotal moment in New York State’s energy landscape: the development of our first new nuclear facility since the 1980s. Tasked with this monumental endeavor, the New York Power Authority is excited and ready to construct 1 gigawatt (GW) of advanced nuclear power in Upstate New York.
The energy reliability challenges facing New York State are serious and urgent. Over the past decade, we’ve seen more power plants close than open, leading to potential power shortfalls that threaten system reliability and affordable energy. The Power Authority is committed to modernizing its transmission and generation assets and supporting the grid of the future, but the New York Independent System Operator has issued urgent warnings about looming energy shortfalls, with forecasts showing that electricity demand will soon outpace supply.
A new nuclear plant, like the Power Authority’s hydropower facilities, can serve as a reliable, baseload clean energy source crucial for anchoring the state’s power grid. While we remain firmly committed to developing renewable energy sources, the intermittent nature of solar and wind power requires that we also develop new foundational baseload power plants to ensure we meet demand consistently, regardless of weather conditions. This new investment in nuclear-powered generation will play a vital role in achieving that balance for our state.
The Power Authority is currently in the planning process for assessing potential site locations and technologies for this future facility. We will prioritize locations based on community support, while considering compatibility with existing infrastructure, availability of skilled labor and land, and adherence to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s stringent safety and environmental protection criteria.
I have been asked many times this month, “where are you building this plant?” and I will say again here: in a community that voluntarily supports it.
We have received enthusiastic outreach from community leaders across the state who are interested in hosting a new nuclear plant. They know the reasons to build now are simple:
- It will provide 24/7 clean power, ensuring reliability and reducing emissions from the electric sector.
- It will support good union jobs, drive business development, and foster economic growth.
- It will reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, shielding New Yorkers from energy price volatility.
- It will complement renewable energy sources, helping us continue to progress toward our clean energy goals.
- It is a highly efficient source of power, producing minimal waste and no direct emissions, significantly helping to reduce the state’s carbon footprint. With stringent oversight and modernized technology, including secure storage of spent fuel, nuclear power plants have operated safely for decades, providing clean electricity to millions. Furthermore, nuclear energy’s small land footprint makes it a sustainable choice for New York.
The Power Authority has built big before, harnessing clean hydropower decades ago that helped attract and retain businesses. Moving forward, we at NYPA remain committed to a clean energy future for New York. This nuclear facility is a key part of that vision, and we are confident it will deliver substantial benefits to New Yorkers. We are excited about the journey ahead and look forward to working with communities, stakeholders, and leaders to bring this vision to life.
Driscoll is the president and CEO of the New York Power Authority.
