News Summary
Governor Kathy Hochul has announced plans for New York’s first new nuclear power plant in over three decades. The advanced zero-emission facility will enhance energy independence and create thousands of jobs. As the state transitions from aging fossil fuel plants, this initiative aims to ensure a clean and reliable electric grid, despite criticisms regarding the slow progress of nuclear energy projects. Specific locations are still under consideration, with the potential to power about one million homes and bolster the state’s nuclear capacity significantly.
New York – On June 23, 2025, Governor Kathy Hochul unveiled plans for the state’s first new nuclear power plant in over three decades during her address at the Niagara County Power Project in Lewiston. This new facility will be an advanced, “zero-emission” nuclear power plant designed to contribute to a clean, reliable, and affordable electric grid.
Hochul has instructed the New York Power Authority to establish “at least” one new nuclear energy facility with a combined capacity of at least one gigawatt (1 GW) of electricity. If successful, this proposal would boost New York’s total nuclear capacity to approximately 4.3 gigawatts (GW).
One of the primary motivations for constructing the new facility is to enhance energy independence, which Hochul believes is vital to attracting large manufacturers and securing high-paying jobs as the state transitions away from aging fossil fuel power plants. The introduction of this advanced nuclear facility is expected to produce sufficient energy to power around one million homes.
To alleviate public safety concerns, Hochul reassured listeners that the proposed plant will adhere to “21st-century nuclear design” standards, incorporating enhanced safety features and rigorous environmental regulations. However, some critics, notably Alfred Meyer from Physicians for Social Responsibility, express concerns about the slow and costly nature of nuclear energy projects, arguing that these initiatives divert crucial attention and resources from renewable energy sources.
Specific locations for the new nuclear facility have yet to be determined, although Hochul mentioned that there is interest from upstate communities. The development of the plant could result in the creation of approximately 1,600 construction jobs and 1,200 permanent positions. The Nine Mile Point nuclear plant in Oswego is among the potential sites under consideration.
Currently, the United States has 54 operational nuclear power plants, although new constructions have encountered reluctance from utilities due to substantial costs and extended timelines. Last year marked the completion of the first new U.S. nuclear reactors in nearly a generation at the Plant Vogtle facility in Georgia, which incurred expenses of approximately $35 billion and experienced notable delays. Additionally, the Tennessee Valley Authority is seeking approval to develop a next-generation nuclear power plant at its Clinch River site in Oak Ridge.
New York presently operates three active nuclear plants located in the upstate region along Lake Ontario, which collectively provide around 20% of the state’s electricity. The last nuclear facility built in New York was Unit 2 at Nine Mile Point in 1989. The state previously operated two nuclear plants, including the now-closed Indian Point Power Plant, which ceased operations in 2021 due to environmental issues.
Opponents of Hochul’s proposal, including various environmental groups, view the initiative as a deviation from the state’s commitment to renewable energy. Nonetheless, Hochul contends that the new nuclear plant will enhance ongoing renewable energy projects and efforts. Moreover, the announcement aligns with a broader resurgence in interest in nuclear energy driven by its zero-emission advantages and increasing energy demands from data centers managed by large technology companies such as Microsoft, Amazon, and Google.
Governor Hochul’s initiative may also serve as a test for recent executive orders from the previous administration aimed at accelerating nuclear power development in the United States. The governor has emphasized the need for reforming lengthy regulatory processes that have historically hindered new nuclear projects, advocating for streamlined approval methods to foster expedient development.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- The Wall Street Journal
- Wikipedia: Nuclear Power in the United States
- The Guardian
- Google Search: New York Nuclear Power Plant
- The New York Times
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Nuclear Energy
- Bloomberg
- Google News: New York Nuclear Power Plant
- City & State New York
- PIX11
