MASSENA — New York State and the Province of Ontario are working together to support nuclear technology as both the Canadian government and New York State seek to build nuclear power facilities.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the entities, establishing the framework for collaboration on the development of advanced nuclear energy technologies.
The agreement covers large-scale nuclear and small modular reactors alike, which Hochul directed the New York Power Authority to construct in an effort to enhance energy reliability, affordability and sustainability in the future.
Hochul directed NYPA to oversee the implementation of nuclear technology earlier this year, leading officials to begin with a Request for Information, which was due to NYPA last week for any community interested in hosting a facility.
“This first-of-its-kind agreement represents a bold step forward in our pursuit of a clean energy future,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “By partnering with Ontario Power Generation and its extensive nuclear experience, New York is positioning itself at the forefront of advanced nuclear technology deployment, ensuring safe, reliable, affordable, and carbon-free energy that supports good-paying jobs for generations to come.”
The collaboration between New York and Ontario is being viewed as a major step forward as the two sides plan to share technology and expertise, with a mutual collaboration in the development and deployment of advanced nuclear technology.
The projects are also expected to enhance local workforces, creating thousands of jobs during the construction phases, as well as operational phases.
Hochul and Ontario Premier Doug Ford say the MOU will also ensure cross-border ventures, allowing for the exploration of “opportunities and models for mutually advantageous business ventures to enhance electricity trade and support the deployment of advanced nuclear resources and technologies to reliably and affordably meet the growing electricity needs in each jurisdiction.”
Locally, state, county and local officials have undertaken efforts to better educate the public about the benefits of nuclear power, while also making efforts to address long held misnomers surrounding the technology.
Assemblyman Scott Gray has been at the forefront of those educational efforts, hosting a nuclear forum in Alexandria Bay earlier this year and a second forum at Clarkson University in November.
During the forum, six nuclear experts gathered to dispel rumors and misnomers or false information surrounding nuclear energy.
As for jobs, the construction phase could see up to 8,000 union jobs created, lasting in excess of five years.
Once operational, a nuclear facility could bring in excess of 1,200 full-time jobs once up and running.
Town and village of Massena officials each attended Gray’s forums, including Village Trustees Ken McGowan and David Broadbent, as well as incoming-Town Supervisor Ray Lancto and Board Member Adrian Taraska in November.
Both Broadbent and McGowan touched on the forum, saying the information instilled a great deal of confidence in them to move forward in supporting the RFI.
“I think it dispelled a lot of myths of what nuclear was. There were some people I spoke with afterwards who were naysayers, and when they walked out, they’re like, ‘I support this 100%,’ and one individual comes here often. He goes, ‘I support this 100%.’ It’s not what it used to be,” McGowan said.
McGowan said even if the village were only able to secure a small portion of the one gigawatt project, which is being spearheaded by the New York Power Authority, it would be a win for Massena.
“I think it would be awesome,” McGowan said.
Mayor Greg Paquin called the potential project “an economic godsend” for the North Country.
Working on behalf of the village will be Administrator Monique Chatland, who told trustees the proposal is due Dec. 11.
“It would be great for our community. I already had one meeting with the IDA and I’ll continue to help them in any way,” Chatland said.
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