Nuclear New York applauds Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Public Service Commission for taking a major step toward securing New York’s energy future through the launch of a Nuclear Reliability Backbone process.
The proceeding before the Commission builds upon the Governor’s 2025 directive to the New York Power Authority for developing at least a gigawatt of advanced nuclear capacity by 2040 and her 2026 State of the State commitment to facilitate an additional 4 gigawatts of advanced nuclear generation. Together with New York’s existing nuclear fleet, this establishes a pathway toward developing an 8.4-gigawatt Nuclear Reliability Backbone for delivering reliable, emission-free electricity to millions of New Yorkers.
“We strongly support Governor Hochul’s leadership in recognizing that a reliable clean electric grid requires firm, around-the-clock generation,” said F. Scott Cicora, Co-Executive Director of Nuclear NY. “These important actions acknowledge what extensive state planning studies have repeatedly shown: Advanced nuclear is an essential component of a least-cost path for achieving reliability and economic growth while slashing emissions.”
The Commission’s initiative follows extensive analysis conducted by the NYS Energy Plan Board, the Coordinated Grid Planning Process, and other statewide energy planning initiatives. All of those efforts confirm that advanced nuclear complements renewables and storage while reducing dependence on fossil fuels, lowering overall system costs, minimizing land-use impacts, and strengthening the grid. The process also comes at a critical time when statewide electricity demand is expected to grow significantly with economic development, high-tech manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and the electrification of buildings and transportation.
“Nuclear energy is uniquely positioned to support growth while making good on New York’s ambitious climate goals,” said Dietmar Detering, Chair of Nuclear NY. “Nuclear not only produces reliable carbon-free power regardless of the weather. It is a powerhouse for creating skilled family-sustaining jobs, generating local tax revenues, developing domestic supply chains, and forging a robust economy.”
Nuclear NY also welcomes stakeholder engagement and community participation called for in the Commission’s Order. Interested stakeholders, local governments, business, labor leaders, academia, and the public are encouraged to actively participate.
“We look forward to working with agencies, policymakers, labor organizations, developers, and host communities to ensure that New York remains a national leader in advanced nuclear energy,” concluded Detering. “It is time for New York to seize this opportunity to build a brighter, more prosperous future.”
Nuclear NY is a non-profit, non-partisan 501(c)(3) organization that advocates for reliable, carbon-free energy while supporting economic growth, workforce development, and environmental stewardship.
