NY Power Initiative: Build an Advanced Nuclear Plant

NY Governor Kathy Hochul launched an initiative for New York’s energy and construction sectors, directing the New York Power Authority (NYPA) to develop and construct a zero-emission, advanced nuclear energy power plant in Upstate New York.

U.S. nuclear power is seeing renewed growth after years of limited development, driven by surging electricity demand from expanding data centers and the shift toward electrified transportation and manufacturing.

First New Nuclear Build in Decades: The project will be New York’s first major nuclear facility in over 15 years and one of the first in the U.S. in a generation, according to the Governor’s Office.

Scale and Impact: The plant will produce at least 1 gigawatt (GW) of zero-emission electricity, enough to power about 1 million homes, supporting the state’s grid reliability and affordability goals.

Construction Jobs: The project is expected to create approximately 1,600 construction jobs and 1,200 permanent positions, offering significant opportunities for union labor and skilled trades.

Site Selection: NYPA will evaluate sites in Upstate New York based on safety, infrastructure compatibility, community support, and workforce availability. The final location and design are still to be determined.

Public-Private Partnerships: NYPA may collaborate with private sector partners on technology, construction, and operations to maximize innovation and investment.

Master Plan Alignment: The initiative aligns with New York’s Master Plan for Responsible Advanced Nuclear Development, ensuring a transparent, community-focused process.

Union and Skilled Trades, Local Sourcing, Innovation, and Reliable Power

Union and Skilled Trades Demand: New York’s major labor organizations back the project, which anticipates thousands of union jobs and skilled employment.

Supply Chain and Local Sourcing: The buildout will prioritize local supply chains, materials, and workforce, supporting economic growth across Upstate NY communities.

Innovation and Safety: Advanced nuclear technology requires specialized construction expertise, safety protocols, and skill sets, creating opportunities for training and upskilling.

Grid Reliability for Growth Industries: The plant will provide the reliable, affordable power needed to attract and retain major manufacturers, semiconductor fabricators, data centers, and AI companies, sectors with high energy demands, state officials said.

Chart of US nuclear power generation and capacity from 1985 to 2024, which is seeing renewed growth after years of limited development. Surging electricity demand is behind the renewed growth, from expanding data centers and the shift toward electrified transportation and manufacturing. Image: ConstructConnect, Data US Energy Information Administration

Helping Communities and Industry 

By integrating advanced nuclear technology with renewable energy sources, New York is taking a step to position itself as a national leader in clean energy.

According to officials, the strategic approach supports both state and federal climate goals, demonstrating the state’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions and environmental leadership.

The project is expected to help revitalize local economies by boosting tax revenues and providing opportunities for construction and allied industries. 

Next Steps

The governor’s office said NYPA will begin site and technology evaluations, business model development, and partnership outreach.

Construction timelines and investment details will follow as feasibility studies progress.