As a result of economic growth and fossil fuel power plant retirements, New York State needs new, firm clean electricity resources to meet growing power demand from new industrial development, building electrification and electric vehicles.
The Power Authority is committed to delivering reliable, affordable, clean energy solutions, and in June 2025, Governor Kathy Hochul took a significant step in advancing New York's energy future by asking NYPA to develop at least 1 gigawatt of nuclear energy in Upstate New York. The proposal received overwhelming support from communities and organizations across New York State.
The Power Authority’s nuclear initiative is intended to deliver firm, zero-emission power that complements renewable generation, strengthens grid reliability, prioritizes affordability and advances an energy policy of abundance that prioritizes energy independence and supply chain security.
NYPA launched a focused 12-week effort to prepare for the project's next phase. This effort aimed to build internal structures, engage with partners and industry experts, recruit key leadership, and develop solicitations.
In September 2025 at Governor Hochul's office in New York City, the Power Authority convened of an advanced nuclear energy workforce roundtable with leaders from across New York, the U.S. and Canada for a facilitated discussion on the future of the nuclear workforce and opportunities to accelerate training and apprenticeship programs to support anticipated job growth in the nuclear energy sector.
In October 2025, the Power Authority issued two solicitations to advance the project: an RFI for interested upstate communities and an RFI for interested developers. Both are available for additional reading on our procurement page.
The Power Authority held an informational webinar on November 6 at 10 a.m. for communities interested in responding to the RFI. A recording of the webinar can be found here.
NYPA has a history of taking on large projects to help the state in times of need. Today's nuclear initiative is no different. If you have additional questions or are interested in exploring how NYPA is leading the charge towards a cleaner and more resilient energy future through nuclear development, please email nypanewnuclear@nypa.gov
Q: Why NYPA?
A: NYPA has a long history of delivering complex infrastructure projects when New York most needs them. With a
century of experience in developing large-scale energy generation and transmission projects, prior experience in
nuclear operations and world-class technical and project delivery staff, NYPA is best positioned to act swiftly and
responsibly to jumpstart New York’s nuclear energy industry in pursuit of a clean, reliable energy future. Our
outstanding safety record further underscores our commitment to excellence.
Q: Why now? Why nuclear? What about other clean energy sources?
A: Grid reliability requires a foundation of baseload energy that can support intermittent sources, such as solar and wind. Nuclear energy is the only scalable, emission-free generation resource that can support the diverse generation mix required to achieve a clean energy economy. According to the NYISO, generator deactivations are outpacing new supply additions. Electrification programs and new large-load customers associated with economic development initiatives are pushing projected demand higher. Together, these forces are also narrowing reliability margins across New York and increasing the risk of future reliability needs. To meet this rising demand, ensure grid reliability and compete for high wage industries such as semiconductor manufacturing and AI, New York State must act to increase firm capacity resources.
NYPA is also proud to be actively developing 3 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy with plans to announce another 3 GW soon. Achieving our clean energy goals requires decisive action today to prepare for the demands of omorrow. Given the long lead times needed for planning and construction of nuclear power generating facilities, it is critical to begin this work now.
Q: When and where will NYPA build nuclear plant(s)?
A: There are multiple pathways to the construction of 1 GW of nuclear energy in Upstate New York. Options include the
construction of a large-scale reactor (1GW), multiple small modular reactors (SMRs) and micro modular reactors
(MMRs). Each technology option varies in cost and maturity, as well as timeline, safety features and economic
impact.
NYPA will engage with stakeholders and perform a feasibility assessment to determine the technology and location(s) to build. We have already heard from several community leaders who areexcited about the prospect of a new nuclear project in their community. NYPA will identify and prioritize locations based on the strength of community support, compatibility with existing infrastructure, the availability of skilled labor and land, and adherence to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC) stringent safety and environmental protection criteria for siting.
Q: What are the benefits for communities that host a nuclear energy facility?
A: Benefits include increased local revenues, the direct addition of hundreds of good-paying jobs and job opportunities in other industries as a result of a strengthened local economy. The project may also attract new businesses with large power demands to the region. NYPA is committed to using union labor to build this project.
Q: What is the total cost of this project? How long will it take to build this project? How is NYPA going to finance this?
A: The timeline and cost of this project will depend on many factors such as technology and site selection, licensing strategy, delivery and partnership models, funding profile, and financial structure. NYPA is engaging potential partners and performing early-stage due diligence, including the development of financial and partnership models for the project. NYPA is committed to a meticulous and comprehensive risk-informed stage gate process with DPS collaboration. We will perform due diligence at critical milestones to ensure the project's technical and financial viability while simultaneously reducing risk and preserving a<ordability. In addition, NYPA will work with other state energy agencies to integrate new facilities into New York’s long-term grid
planning processes.
Q: Will nuclear power impact my electric bill?
A: Nuclear is a firm resource that will keep prices stable and protect New Yorkers from spikes in fossil fuel prices and
grid disruptions. It is the smartest long-term investment the State can make to ensure a reliable, resilient and
sustainable power grid.
Q: Are nuclear facilities safe?
A: Next-generation reactors are designed with safety as a top priority. Small modular reactors have built-in systems that improve even further upon the strong safety performance of current reactors. Many advanced reactors can be built below ground, providing physical security and even less vulnerability to extreme weather events. Advanced nuclear reactors also consume fuel more efficiently, producing less byproduct in smaller volumes and forms that make disposal easier. Some designs can also run on recycled fuel.Nuclear power plants maintain the highest standard for operational safety, security, cybersecurity and emergency preparedness. The industry’s comprehensive safety procedures and stringent federal regulations keep our plantsand neighboring communities safe. New York State currently has three nuclear facilities that supply clean electricity to millions of New Yorkers, making the state’s upstate power grid one of the cleanest electric grids in the country, with more than 90% of the electricity generated being emission-free. Nationally, the nuclear industry has the lowest level of overall safety-related impacts of any major energy source.
Q: How can I learn more?
A: NYPA is developing a project website and additional materials. Questions regarding the project and anticipated procurement process may be submitted via email NYPANewNuclear@nypa.gov.