NYC Governor to Build State's First New Nuclear Power Plant in Decades
New York's governor proposed the state's first new nuclear power facility in decades.
The proposed "zero-emission advanced" plant, which will be located in upstate New York at a site yet to be determined, is expected to produce 1 gigawatt of electricity — sufficient to power approximately 1 million homes, according to Gov. Kathy Hochul.
This announcement marks a significant change in the approach to nuclear power in New York, occurring just four years after the closure of the Indian Point nuclear plant in upper Westchester County by former Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
Hochul criticized the decision to close Indian Point — which supplied around a quarter of the energy for New York City and Westchester — as a hasty move.
For several months, Hochul has been signaling her support for nuclear energy as the state grapples with meeting demand while also working towards its green energy goals.
According to the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act enacted six years ago, New York is expected to derive about 70 percent of its energy from renewable sources by 2030.
The law mandates that the energy sector achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.
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Last summer, Hochul acknowledged that the state would not be able to meet these targets on schedule.
Earlier this week, she cautioned that rolling blackouts could occur if the state does not increase its generating capacity as it phases out fossil fuel power plants.
The New York Power Authority (NYPA) will be tasked with locating the site for the new nuclear facility and designing it, including potential partnerships with the private sector.
Potential sites will be evaluated based on various factors, such as public safety, compatibility with existing infrastructure, and land availability, as mentioned by Hochul.
It remains uncertain how the financing for the project will be structured; however, Hochul assured there would be "no cost escalation" for consumers.
John Howard, a former chairman of the state Public Service Commission and an ex-employee at NYPA, stated that the announcement reflects the inadequacy of the state's current energy policy.
Howard estimated that construction could take ten years and be quite expensive, despite Hochul's promise of no "cost escalation" for consumers.
Gavin Donohue, president and CEO of Independent Power Producers of New York, praised the governor's initiative for nuclear energy, noting that "other states are doing it."
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However, he warned that the state cannot undertake the project independently.
Hochul's commitment to nuclear energy received some bipartisan support, including from Republicans who have previously been critical of her energy policies.