Governor Kathy Hochul has directed the New York Power Authority (NYPA) to develop and construct at least one gigawatt of new nuclear generation capacity, enough to power approximately one million homes. This bold announcement represents a crucial test for President Trump's commitment to streamlining permitting processes for nuclear projects and comes as New York actively seeks to overcome its energy challenges.
The decision to pursue new nuclear power follows the shutdown of the Indian Point nuclear plant in 2021, which previously supplied over 80% of the carbon-free electricity to the New York City metropolitan area and employed 1,000 workers. Since its closure, the state has seen an increase in fossil fuel emissions as natural gas stepped in to fill the energy void. According to the state's Climate Action Council, New York will require roughly 20 gigawatts of dispatchable clean power, in addition to solar and wind, to fully decarbonize its electricity sector by 2050. Currently, nuclear power accounts for about 19% of the nation's electricity, though U.S. nuclear capacity has declined by over 4% from its 2012 peak.
NYPA will be responsible for identifying a suitable site in upstate New York and determining the optimal reactor design, potentially collaborating with private entities. Constellation Energy, which operates New York's three existing nuclear plants, could play a significant role, as its current facilities are among the potential sites under consideration. The company's stock saw a 1% rise following the news, indicating market optimism. Constellation and New York are already working together on a federal grant application that could support preliminary work for adding reactors at the Nine Mile Point Clean Energy Center in Oswego.
This project builds upon Governor Hochul's January announcement of a "Master Plan for Responsible Advanced Nuclear Development," part of a broader $1 billion proposal for the state's energy future. This comprehensive plan, expected by the end of 2026, will delve into the technical readiness, regulatory pathways, and environmental justice considerations associated with reactor siting.
Despite the state's push for nuclear expansion, strong opposition persists from over 150 environmental groups. These groups argue that nuclear technology is "too slow, expensive, and dangerous" to effectively address current energy demands and climate targets. Critics express concern that investment in nuclear power could divert resources from renewable energy development and raise environmental justice issues for communities near potential sites. State Senator Kevin Parker, who chairs the Committee on Energy and Telecommunications, stated, "We closed Indian Point without a plan," highlighting the substantial loss of over 1,000 megawatts of energy production.
The project's advancement could be accelerated by President Trump's executive orders designed to expedite nuclear permitting processes, potentially mitigating some of the anticipated delays and bureaucratic hurdles.
