New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and Ontario Premier Doug Ford signed a mutual agreement Friday that aims to share information and collaborate on future development of advanced nuclear power technology.
That framework includes full-size nuclear reactors to small modular reactors, the two leaders said Friday in Erie County.
“New York and Ontario have a proud tradition of trade, cooperation and a bond that cannot be broken,” Hochul said. “This first-of-its-kind agreement represents a bold step forward in our relationship and New York’s pursuit of a clean energy future. 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 we have safe, reliable, affordable, and carbon-free energy that will help power the jobs of tomorrow.”
Hochul cited the development of Micron in Central New York and Empire AI in western New York as those jobs and industries.
“From building the first small modular reactors in the G7 to building the first large-scale nuclear facilities in decades, Ontario is proud to lead the world in nuclear innovation. By working together with New York, we’re creating good-paying jobs, growing our economies and delivering clean, affordable power for families and businesses on both sides of the border for generations to come,” Ford said.
The agreement comes as New York is seeking to develop and construct a new advanced nuclear power plant in the upstate region. The New York Power Authority (NYPA) is working to identify a site and host community for the project. Hochul said Friday that 23 developers have expressed interest in developing nuclear projects with the NYPA and eight communities have expressed interest in hosting a plant.
In addition, Fort Drum could be the site of a micro-reactor nuclear power plant, as the base was recently chosen as one of nine installations up for consideration, following a U.S. Army analysis and on-site assessment. A final number of sites that will get the micro-reactors hasn’t yet been determined.