New York to build first nuclear plant in decades to power factories

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced plans to build the state’s first new nuclear power plant in nearly four decades, aiming to develop a zero-emission facility with at least 1 gigawatt (GW) capacity. The New York Power Authority (NYPA), in coordination with the Department of Public Service (DPS), will immediately begin evaluating technologies, business models, and potential sites for the plant, focusing on factors such as public safety, community support, infrastructure compatibility, skilled labor availability, and financing options. This initiative supports New York’s broader goals of electrifying its economy, retiring fossil fuel plants, and attracting manufacturing jobs, while ensuring a reliable, affordable, and clean energy grid. Currently, New York’s existing nuclear capacity of 3.4 GW—generated by three plants operated by Constellation on Lake Ontario—provides about 20% of the state’s electricity and 42% of its carbon-free power. The new plant would increase total nuclear capacity to approximately