New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is introducing a new energy initiative that will utilize nuclear power to meet the state’s energy needs into the next generation. Seeking to invest in alternative forms of energy, the initiative tasks the New York Power Authority with developing a new zero-emission advanced nuclear plant in upstate.
The proposed plant would provide approximately one gigawatt (GW) of electricity — enough to power a million homes and power growing industrial and EV demands. This comes as the state simultaneously has been phasing out fossil fuel plants.
The proposed nuclear facility could power semiconductor sites, AI, biotech facilities, data centers and industries requiring round‑the‑clock operations. It could also provide stability to the existing power grid to prevent blackouts.
This nuclear build would be the first in 15 years for the state. The long dry spell can be attributed to several concerns, including safety, money, time, access to a talented workfoce and rigid permitting standards. Hochul and the NYPA are communicating with the White House for a expedited permitting process as they continue to scout among the various communities that could support the plant. Officials say the ideal location would be supportive, providing land, foundational infrastructure and skilled labor. According to state officials, Several municipalities are expressing interest in the proposed nuclear site.
The state Chamber of Commerce is expressing interest in several Upstate locations like Buffalo, Rochester, the Southern Tier, North Country, Binghamton, Central New York and the Capital Region.
The governor is also leaving the door open for investorsto further the reach of the initiative. NYPA is actively pursuing public-private collaborations, seeking private investors and leveraging federal DOE incentives, such as a recent order to accelerate advanced nuclear reactor testing.
The most recent major nuclear reactors built in the U.S. are Units 3 and 4 at Plant Vogtle in Georgia, which combined can supply about 2.2 gigawatts of electricity. Construction began in 2009 with a final cost of over $30 billion.
Hochul and NYPA aim to avoid the time and expense seen at Vogtle by using newly approved reactor designs, adopting a modular construction approach and sharing financial risk. They are relying on a recent executive order to accelerate licensing while also bolstering the workforce and supply chain. New York plans to deploy the project in phases rather than attempting a large-scale build from the start.
NYPA and state officials will provide updates on the project through the planning, design and engineering stages.
Photo by jason hu from Pexels
The post New York announcing new advanced nuclear reactor development in upstate appeared first on Government Market News.