NYPA Press Release

For Immediate Release: 06/23/26

Contact: media.inquiries@nypa.gov | (518) 860-9935

 

One Year In, NYPA Highlights Progress Toward Developing at Least 1 GW of Advanced Nuclear Energy in Upstate New York

 

Power Authority Continues to Build the Foundation for a New Era of Reliable, Affordable and Clean Nuclear Power

 

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.—Today marks the one-year anniversary of Governor Hochul’scall for the New York Power Authority (NYPA) to develop at least 1 gigawatt (GW) of zero-emission advanced nuclear power in Upstate New York. In that time, NYPA has acted swiftly, making meaningful progress that directly supports Governor Hochul’s all-of-the-above approach to energy that will help ensure the lights stay on, costs remain within reach for New Yorkers, and the State achieves a clean energy economy.

 

New York needs new, baseload electricity resources to meet growing power demand from new industrial development, building and transportation electrification, and the retirement of aging power plants. Advanced nuclear facilities can directly address those challenges and complement New York’s ongoing deployment of renewable energy sources.

 

“Over the past year, NYPA has been hard at work laying the foundation for New York’s advanced nuclear future,”saidNew York Power Authority President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll. “We have been growing our development team, issuing key solicitations, engaging in discussions with potential government and business partners, and launching a major workforce initiative to build New York’s nuclear talent pipeline. For generations, NYPA’s hydropower has anchored New York’s grid—providing reliable, low-cost electricity that helped businesses grow, created jobs, and driven economic investment. Through the steps we’ve taken over this past year—and the work still ahead—NYPA’s nuclear initiative will help ensure that the next generation of New Yorkers have the clean, baseload energy needed to power their future.”

 

Over the past year, the Power Authority has made substantial strides as part of its nuclear efforts:

 

Issuing Solicitations for Potential Development Partners and Interested Host Communities

 

Last month, NYPA issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to identify experienced developers capable of delivering at least 1 GW of advanced nuclear capacity in Upstate New York. The RFQ follows a pair of solicitations issued in 2025 that attracted responses from more than 30 entities—including 23 developer teams that expressed interest in partnering with the Power Authority and eight communities desirous of hosting a nuclear project.

 

Developing a Nuclear Workforce Pipeline

 

As part of the Governor’s NextGen Nuclear New York Initiative, NYPA recently issued a Request for Applications, targeting technical schools, colleges, unions, and manufacturers, among other groups, to access $40 million in nuclear workforce development funding. The investment aims to build a skilled workforce ready to support the deployment and operation of advanced nuclear facilities.

 

Building Strategic Partnerships

 

The Power Authority is strengthening international partnerships to support the development of emission-free nuclear power in the state. Last year, NYPA signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Ontario Power Generation (OPG), one of North America’s leading nuclear operators. The agreement establishes a framework for NYPA and OPG to share best practices, technical expertise, and lessons-learned related to project development and technologies, including large-scale nuclear and small modular reactors. The collaboration will provide NYPA with critical insights into project delivery, operations, licensing, and workforce planning.

 

Leadership Expansion

 

NYPA strengthened its leadership team with nuclear development experts: NYPA SVP of Nuclear Energy Development Todd Josifovski, and consultant Christopher Hanson, the former Chair of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The Power Authority’s senior team of nuclear experts will continue to grow in the coming weeks and months, guiding siting, financing, regulatory, and federal processes—helping to ensure a smooth path to deployment.

 

Building on Statewide Leadership

 

On June 12, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and the Department of Public Service published the Advanced Nuclear Policy Options Paper, which serves as the first piece of the Master Plan for Responsible Advanced Nuclear Development in New York.

 

The Options paper, open for public comment until Aug. 10, contains an evaluation of the policy mechanisms to support new grid-scale advanced nuclear projects, including assessing barriers to commercial viability, risk management, potential financial support and funding, technology selection and procurement approaches that can support viable projects. The analysis will provide an objective and transparent foundation for public discussion and support New York’s work to identify the tools and approaches needed to responsibly advance next‑generation nuclear power as part of the State’s clean energy transition.

 

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “Working in collaboration with NYPA over the past year, NYSERDA has made significant progress to responsibly assess and deploy advanced nuclear technologies in New York State. Through key workstreams like the Master Plan for Responsible Advanced Nuclear Development, the publication of an Advanced Nuclear Policy Options Paper, and our NextGen Nuclear New York Initiative collaboration with NYPA, Department of Labor, and Empire State Development, our efforts are setting the stage for advanced nuclear to strengthen our grid, drive economic development and deliver the jobs of the future.”

 

New York State Public Service Commission Chair and CEO Rory M. Christian said, “The valuable role of advanced nuclear resources as part of Governor Hochul’s all-of-the-above approach to modernizing New York’s energy system has been supported by comprehensive analysis, including the joint Advanced Nuclear Policy Options Paper authored by NYSERDA and the Department of Public Service, the Commission’s Coordinated Grid Planning Process, the State Energy Plan, and more. The takeaway for consumers is simple—more nuclear means clean and secure electricity for New York’s communities to thrive and grow. Today’s announcement by NYPA highlights significant progress toward the Governor’s plan to incorporate more of these cutting edge, zero-emissions, and dependable resources which strike the right balance between affordability, alignment with state climate goals, and reliability.” 

 

As part of her January State of the State agenda, Governor Hochul announced a plan to create an 8.4 GW nuclear reliability backbone that would consist of the at least 1 GW of nuclear being developed by NYPA and another 4 GW of new advanced nuclear on top of the existing 3.4 GW currently online in Upstate New York.On June 11, Governor Hochul announced the Public Service Commission launched a proceeding to secure an 8.4 GW backbone of zero-emission electricity. The proceeding will evaluate ways to bring new advanced nuclear power online in a timely, cost-effective manner to ensure New York maintains a reliable supply of zero‑emission electricity.

 

The coordinated statewide effort positions New York to deliver the firm, zero‑emission nuclear backbone needed to strengthen grid reliability, energy independence, and achieve a clean energy economy as the state continues to electrify.

 

In the year ahead, the Power Authority will continue to build on its momentum as it advances the next phase of its nuclear development work. NYPA is targeting to select a host community, technology, and development partner, which will help carry the initiative from early planning into execution.

 

About NYPA

The New York Power Authority is the largest state public power organization in the nation, operating 17 generating facilities and more than 1,550 circuit-miles of transmission lines. More than 80 percent of the electricity NYPA produces is clean renewable hydropower. NYPA finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity. For more information visit www.nypa.gov and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Substack.