Albany, NY, December 20, 2025
Governor Kathy Hochul of New York and Premier Doug Ford of Ontario have announced a landmark agreement between the New York Power Authority and Ontario Power Generation to advance nuclear technology. This collaboration aims to share expertise, enhance workforce development, and boost energy reliability and decarbonization initiatives across both regions. Leaders emphasized the importance of this partnership in ensuring safe, reliable, and carbon-free energy while stimulating economic growth and job creation.
Albany, NY
Gov. Hochul and Premier Ford Forge Agreement for Nuclear Advancements
New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Ontario Premier Doug Ford have made significant strides in energy collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the New York Power Authority (NYPA) and Ontario Power Generation (OPG). This landmark agreement is aimed at fostering advanced nuclear technology development, including large-scale nuclear reactors and small modular reactors (SMRs), to bolster energy reliability, affordability, and decarbonization efforts across both regions.
Key Details of the Agreement
- Technology and Expertise Sharing: The MOU paves the way for mutual collaboration in advanced nuclear technology development, covering site selection, project management, and opportunities to supply parts and services for new nuclear builds.
- Workforce Development: It includes initiatives to enhance the nuclear workforce by collaborating with labor unions to identify skill gaps and implementing specialized training programs.
- Cross-Border Ventures: There will be exploration of opportunities for business ventures that can enhance electricity trade between New York and Ontario while supporting new nuclear resource deployment.
Statements from Leaders
Governor Hochul highlighted the enduring trade relationship between New York and Ontario, framing the agreement as a pivotal move toward a clean energy future. She asserts that this partnership not only positions New York at the forefront of nuclear technology but also guarantees the provision of safe, reliable, and carbon-free energy.
Premier Ford remarked on Ontario’s pioneering role in nuclear innovation, noting the construction efforts of both small modular reactors and large-scale nuclear facilities. He expressed optimism that this collaboration would generate good-paying jobs and foster economic growth, delivering sustainable power for both regions.
Background Context
The NYPA and OPG have shared a cooperative relationship since the 1950s, marked by the joint development of the St. Lawrence Power Project along the St. Lawrence River. They have successfully collaborated on multiple projects to ensure reliable power production and operational efficiency through common management practices and resource sharing.
Next Steps
Beginning next year, a working group will be established to oversee the MOU’s implementation, with a focus on advancing technological innovations and understanding nuclear financing to facilitate the growth of advanced nuclear facilities.
FAQ
What is the purpose of the MOU between NYPA and OPG?
The MOU establishes a framework for collaboration on the development of advanced nuclear energy technologies, including large-scale nuclear reactors and small modular reactors (SMRs), to strengthen energy reliability, affordability, and decarbonization efforts in New York and Ontario.
What are the key areas of collaboration under the MOU?
The key areas of collaboration include technology and expertise sharing, workforce development, and cross-border ventures to enhance electricity trade and support the deployment of advanced nuclear resources and technologies.
How long have NYPA and OPG been collaborating?
NYPA and OPG have maintained a unique cross-border partnership since the 1950s, jointly developing hydropower facilities and coordinating on river flows to ensure reliable power production.
What are the next steps following the MOU?
Starting next year, leaders from the Power Authority and OPG will form a working group to oversee the implementation of the MOU, focusing on advancing technological innovation, enhancing understanding of nuclear financing and economics, and supporting workforce development initiatives needed to enable the development of advanced nuclear facilities in New York and Ontario.
Key Features of the Agreement
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Technology and Expertise Sharing | Collaboration in developing and deploying advanced nuclear technologies, including site selection, project development, and supply chain opportunities. |
| Workforce Development | Initiatives to strengthen the nuclear workforce through collaboration with labor unions, specialized training programs, and joint projects to expand opportunities and ensure job quality. |
| Cross-Border Ventures | Exploration of mutually advantageous business ventures to enhance electricity trade and support the deployment of advanced nuclear resources and technologies to meet growing electricity needs. |
Now Happening on X
- @CBS6Albany (December 19, 2025): Governor Hochul and Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced a landmark cross-border agreement to expand advanced nuclear energy technology in New York and Ontario. View on X
- @SpecNews1Albany (December 19, 2025): New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and Ontario Premier Doug Ford signed a mutual agreement to share information and collaborate on future advanced nuclear power technology development. View on X
- @SPECNews1ROC (December 19, 2025): New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and Ontario Premier Doug Ford signed a mutual agreement to share information and collaborate on future advanced nuclear power technology development. View on X
- @NYPAenergy (December 19, 2025): NYPA signed an MOU with OPG to collaborate on advanced nuclear tech, marking a major win for New York’s clean energy future alongside Gov. Hochul and Premier Ford. View on X
- @ONenergy (December 19, 2025): Ontario Premier Ford joined New York Governor Hochul to sign an agreement leveraging Ontario’s nuclear expertise to accelerate advanced nuclear technologies. View on X
- @WBEN (December 19, 2025): Gov. Hochul joined by Ontario Premier Ford in Buffalo to announce a landmark agreement between NYPA and OPG to support advanced nuclear technology. View on X
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