Governor Kathy Hochul of New York has unveiled plans to establish a new nuclear power plant, marking the first such construction in the state in several decades.
This initiative reflects a growing momentum for nuclear energy in the United States, buoyed by unconventional alliances among various stakeholders. Notable supporters include the Trump administration, which has advocated for “energy dominance,” technology companies seeking increased electricity for artificial intelligence data centers, and environmentalists endorsing nuclear power as a clean alternative to traditional fossil fuels.
Support for nuclear energy is rising in the US thanks to a coalition of unusual allies.
Doreen Harris, president and CEO of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, commented on the initiative, stating, “Utilizing advanced nuclear technology will enhance the diversity of the state’s energy resources, aligning with New York’s objectives of fostering a robust economy and a reliable, zero-emission power grid.”
Hochul has tasked the New York Power Authority with the construction of at least one new nuclear facility upstate, aiming for a capacity of no less than 1 gigawatt of electricity, roughly equivalent to half that of the Hoover Dam.
The state is particularly interested in advanced reactors that are currently in development, aiming to address several challenges that have historically hindered the nuclear sector. Following a boom in reactor construction during the 1970s and 1980s, nuclear technology fell behind as natural gas, solar, and wind power became increasingly affordable. Additionally, concerns over accidents, such as the Three Mile Island partial meltdown, and the contentious debate surrounding the disposal of radioactive waste have also posed significant obstacles.
Next-generation small modular reactor designs promise to reduce costs and facilitate the establishment of new nuclear sites. Recent actions by President Donald Trump include executive orders aimed at reforming the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, expediting reactor licensing processes, and streamlining environmental reviews. Notably, Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Energy, Chris Wright, has a background with a nuclear energy startup alongside OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.
The Vogtle power plant in Georgia serves as a cautionary tale illustrating the setbacks that have plagued the nuclear industry. It is the site of the first new reactors constructed in the US in over three decades. Construction began in 2009, with units 3 and 4 finally going online in 2023 and 2024, significantly exceeding budget estimates by approximately $17 billion.
Currently, the average nuclear reactor in the US is 42 years old, with many facilities recently retired or scheduled for shutdown soon. This trend is beginning to shift, aided by support from major tech firms and government initiatives. Both Google and Amazon have initiated agreements to back the development of next-generation reactors. Meta has secured a deal this month to prolong the life of a reactor from the 1980s for another two decades, while Microsoft announced a power purchase agreement last year aimed at restarting one reactor at Three Mile Island.
New York is striving towards an ambitious climate goal of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent this decade from 1990 levels. The state has made considerable progress and is approximately halfway to achieving that target, despite encountering delays in meeting key deadlines related to pollution regulations.
