(New York Post) – New York is planning to build the first major new US nuclear power plant in more than 15 years, Gov. Kathy Hochul said — and it will have enough output to power 1 million homes.
The New York Power Authority has been instructed to develop the zero-emission advanced nuclear power plant in upstate New York with no less than 1 gigawatt of electricity as the state grasps to meet its legally-mandated climate goals.
The announcement comes just four years after former Gov. Andrew Cuomo closed Indian Point nuclear plant in upper Westchester County.
“As New York State electrifies its economy, deactivates aging fossil fuel power generation and continues to attract large manufacturers that create good-paying jobs, we must embrace an energy policy of abundance that centers on energy independence and supply chain security to ensure New York controls its energy future,” she said in a statement touting the announcement.
Before it shut, Indian Point had generated roughly a quarter of the electricity used in New York City and Westchester County.
Hochul has previously argued that officials should have come up with a Plan B and better anticipated the state’s energy needs before moving to cut the plant.
The governor signaled last year that she and energy officials were considering nuclear reactors to be part of New York’s clean energy goals.
Under the 2019 Climate Act, that is required to have 70% renewable electricity sources by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.
“This is the second time during my administration that I am calling on the New York Power Authority to lead a critical energy initiative, and just as it is doing with the expedited buildout of renewable energy and transmission, it will now safely and rapidly deploy clean, reliable nuclear power for the benefit of all New Yorkers,” Hochul said.
The public utility, who will find the site and come up with the new reactor’s design, can either go at it alone or enlist private entities.
Viable locations will be assessed on a range of factors – including public safety, compatibility with existing infrastructure and land availability, according to Hochul.
“Time and time again, the Power Authority has been called upon by New York State leadership to take bold action and we have delivered outcomes to support the public good,” New York Power Authority President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said.
“I am honored by Governor Hochul’s confidence in NYPA to lead the buildout of the affordable and reliable clean energy economy of the future and we are eager to deliver on this impactful nuclear initiative for New Yorkers.”
