New York state has lofty climate goals and leaders are turning to an energy source that’s been controversial for decades: nuclear power. Gov. Kathy Hochul is championing efforts to position the Empire State as a hub for advanced nuclear energy, and this week, Syracuse is at the center of that push.
A two-day summit brought together energy officials and experts to explore how advanced nuclear technologies can support the state’s energy plan. New York State plans on having 100% zero-emission electricity by 2040. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) says a critical part of achieving that goal is having a controllable, clean source of energy like advanced nuclear energy, which can meet the energy demands when renewable sources like wind or solar are less available.
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Experts also believe nuclear energy will be essential to meet growing energy demands — especially with megaprojects like Micron’s semiconductor facility and AI data centers on the horizon.
New mandates, including electric vehicle mandates and restrictions on new natural gas hookups, are only increasing New York’s energy needs.
“Looking at the economic growth that we’re expecting and planning for and as we electrify our building and transportation systems, we know that we’re going to continue to push renewables forward,” said Anthony Fiore, NYSERDA’s chief program officer. “But we need something to complement those, those resources, and nuclear is one of those options.”
Unlike traditional nuclear reactors, advanced nuclear technologies are touted as being cheaper, more efficient and generally safer.
But those against nuclear energy say those advancements aren’t enough.
While discussions inside the Hotel Syracuse focused on nuclear innovation, the scene outside told a different story.
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Around 80 protestors, including environmental activists and indigenous leaders, gathered to voice opposition to expanding nuclear energy, saying nuclear energy is not clean or green.
Critics argue that nuclear power’s radioactive waste, high water usage, and long-term environmental risks make it incompatible with a truly green future.
Grandell “Bird” Logan of the Seneca Nation cited decades of environmental damage from aging nuclear reactors on Onondaga Nation Land.
“People from all over this confederacy, all over the Haudenosaunee, come to Tonawanda, because we have great natural resources there that us Haudenosaunee people still use and appreciate,” Logan said. “Plant medicines, animals, you name it, we have it in Tonawanda and we are protecting it with every fiber of our beings and we’re going to continue to protect it with every fiber of our beings.”
Despite the pushback, NYSERDA says public input is critical. Officials confirmed they are currently working on an Advanced Nuclear Master Plan, which they expect to finalize by the end of 2026.