New York Construction Report staff writer
The New York Power Authority (NYPA) has been directed to develop and build a zero-emission nuclear power plant in Upstate New York, part of the state’s push to strengthen the electric grid and meet its clean energy targets.
Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the initiative this week, saying the plant would add at least one gigawatt of electricity — enough to power hundreds of thousands of homes. If built, it would be the first nuclear facility commissioned in the state in decades.
The project remains in early planning stages. NYPA will evaluate potential locations, technologies and business models, working alongside the Department of Public Service and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.
The plant is expected to supply carbon-free baseload electricity, which supporters say is necessary to complement intermittent sources like wind and solar. Existing nuclear plants already generate about a quarter of the state’s electricity, according to NYSERDA.
The move builds on Hochul’s 2025 State of the State agenda, which identified nuclear energy as a component of the state’s climate strategy.
Officials have not set a construction timeline. Site selection will consider factors including safety, infrastructure, available land, community input and workforce availability.
New York is aiming for 70% renewable electricity by 2030 and a zero-emissions grid by 2040. Energy demand is expected to rise as transportation, buildings and industry shift away from fossil fuels.
The state recently provided financial support for early permitting work at Constellation Energy’s Nine Mile Point plant near Oswego. Officials said the new project could involve public-private partnerships and may build on collaborations with other states and Ontario.
Labor groups and utility officials welcomed the announcement, citing job creation and energy reliability. Nuclear energy has received renewed attention nationally as states look for stable, carbon-free power sources.
