New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced plans for a new nuclear power plant in the state, aimed at generating at least 1 gigawatt of electricity. Hochul emphasized the importance of nuclear energy in reducing the reliance on fossil fuels during a recent press conference.
The governor has tasked the New York Power Authority with developing the new facility, which is still in the early stages of planning. The state plans to collaborate with private partners to finance and construct the plant, with a focus on purchasing the power it produces.
Several existing nuclear plants in upstate New York are being considered as potential sites for the new facility, with Constellation Energy currently owning and operating them. Tech giants like Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon have already made significant investments in nuclear energy projects across the country.
Despite challenges faced by the nuclear industry, including delays and budget overruns, there is growing interest in nuclear power among both Democrats and Republicans. Hochul highlighted the need for regulatory reform at the federal level to facilitate the development of new nuclear plants.
The resurgence of nuclear power is seen as a crucial step in meeting the energy needs of tech companies and data centers. Hochul stressed the importance of embracing nuclear energy to stay competitive in the evolving energy landscape.
