MASSENA — The New York Power Authority is issuing first solicitations from area communities for a planned nuclear power project, the first step for potential host communities to voice support for the project.
According to a release from the New York Power Authority, which was directed by Governor Hochul to oversee the project, the two solicitations include a Request for Information (RFI) for Upstate New York communities interested in hosting an advanced nuclear project developed by the Power Authority, and an RFI seeking information from potential development partners with experience developing, constructing, operating or servicing nuclear power projects.
The Power Authority will hold an informational webinar on Nov. 6 at 10 a.m. for communities interested in responding to the RFI.
The nuclear project was announced this June when Hochul directed the Power Authority to develop at least 1 GW of advanced nuclear capacity upstate to address shortfalls in power production as the state implements new green energy initiatives.
Power Authority officials say they intend to deliver firm, zero-emission power that complements renewable energy, “strengthens grid reliability, prioritizes affordability and advances an energy policy of abundance that prioritizes in depends and supply chain security.”
“At the Power Authority, we recognize that the success of this transformative advanced nuclear initiative hinges on our ability to collaborate with communities, governmental agencies at the state and federal level, and the private sector,” said Justin E. Driscoll, New York Power Authority president and CEO. “Through these Requests for Information, we aim to gather input from developers and communities across Upstate New York to shape our approach to site selection and partnerships that provide the greatest value for New York. Together, we can achieve an abundant power supply that supports New York’s economy, fosters job creation, and furthers the clean energy transition.”
All materials for the RFI must be submitted to the Power Authority by Dec. 11, 2025, officials said.
The announcement of the RFI process comes roughly two weeks after Assemblyman Scott Gray announced he would host a nuclear power informational forum at Clarkson University on Nov. 12.
The event is aimed at educating the public about the benefits of nuclear energy, as well to bring together local stakeholders and experts in the field to have conversations about nuclear energy.
Gray previously told North Country This Week the event would be similar to one he hosted at the Bonnie Castle Resort in Alexandria Bay during the summer.
“Our goal is to get everyone in a space to have these necessary conversations, to address any potential concerns and dispel any myths that may be out there. Nuclear energy is one way to safeguard our grid with consistent power that will support any number of operations. It creates many new opportunities and will bring new industries and more jobs to the North Country,” Gray previously said.