New York state plans new nuclear power plant with capacity of at least 1 GW

The US state of New York is continuing its efforts to reduce the emissions footprint of electricity generation, even as consumption continues to rise. Authorities have been tasked with beginning work on building at least one nuclear power plant with an installed capacity of 1000 MW. New York state currently has 4 nuclear units in operation, which account for more than 20% of its electricity generation. The newest unit began generating electricity in the late 1980s, while the other three have been producing power for more than 50 years.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced that she had tasked the New York Power Authority (NYPA) with preparing a project for a new nuclear power plant. It is expected to supply at least 1000 MW of low-emissions electricity to the grid and help meet rising demand.

“As New York state electrifies its economy, retires aging fossil-fuel generation and continues to attract large manufacturers that create well-paying jobs, we must adopt an energy policy of abundance focused on energy independence and supply-chain security to ensure New York has control over its energy future,” Governor Kathy Hochul said.

NYPA will now begin assessing technologies, business models and potential sites for the nuclear power plant, and will secure key partnerships. Bringing private companies into the project is also among the financing options under consideration. In its site assessment, NYPA is to focus on public safety, support for local communities, compatibility with existing energy infrastructure, and the availability of skilled workers and land.

“New York state leadership has repeatedly called on us to take bold steps to deliver results in support of the public good. I am honored by the governor’s confidence, and we look forward to the benefits this nuclear initiative will bring to New Yorkers,” said NYPA President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll.

Nuclear power accounts for more than a fifth of electricity generation

New York state currently has four nuclear units operating at three nuclear power plants. The state’s oldest unit, with a capacity of 613 MW at the Nine Mile Point plant, has been generating electricity since 1969.

The same plant is also home to the state’s newest nuclear unit, with a capacity of 1277 MW. However, it too began operating more than 35 years ago, in 1988. New York’s other two nuclear power plants are Ginna and FitzPatrick, which entered service in the first half of the 1970s.

“This is the second time during my administration that I have called on the New York Power Authority to lead a critical energy initiative. Just as it is doing with the rapid build-out of renewable energy and transmission, it will now focus on the safe and rapid deployment of clean, reliable nuclear power for the benefit of all New Yorkers,” Hochul added.

Nuclear power accounts for 21.4% of the state’s electricity generation and 41.6% of its low-emissions electricity. With demand rising and power plants aging, New York therefore needs additional zero-emission sources, including nuclear power, to meet its climate targets.

In 2020 and 2021, when the Indian Point nuclear power plant ceased generation, the state recorded a significant increase in greenhouse gas emissions from electricity generation (from around 500 to 900 tonnes of CO2 / MWh).