- NYPA has issued a Request for Qualifications for advanced nuclear developers to support at least 1 GW of new capacity in Upstate New York.
- A separate $40 million workforce initiative will fund nuclear training, paid internships and job pathways across New York State.
- The plan supports Governor Hochul’s proposed 5 GW Nuclear Reliability Backbone, which would lift New York’s zero-emission nuclear base to 8.4 GW when combined with existing plants.
New York Moves Nuclear From Policy To Procurement
New York is moving its next-generation nuclear strategy from planning to procurement, with two new solicitations aimed at delivering at least 1 GW of advanced nuclear energy in Upstate New York.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the New York Power Authority has issued a Request for Qualifications for advanced nuclear developers and delivery partners. NYPA has also opened a Request for Applications for training providers seeking access to $40 million in nuclear workforce development funding.
Together, the actions advance Hochul’s NextGen Nuclear New York program. They also support the 5 GW Nuclear Reliability Backbone she proposed in her 2026 State of the State agenda.
New York already has 3.4 GW of existing nuclear power. If the new backbone is delivered, the state would have 8.4 GW of zero-emission nuclear capacity. For policymakers and investors, the plan ties nuclear power directly to grid reliability, affordability and long-term industrial competitiveness.
“Nearly a year ago, I called on the Power Authority to lay the groundwork for the next era of emissions-free power in New York as part of my all-of-the-above approach to energy,” Governor Hochul said. “The solicitations announced today will help ensure New York is poised to lead the nation in new nuclear development, that along with renewables, will provide needed power in the face of increasing demand to keep the lights on while helping keep costs down. By taking a proactive approach, we are preparing our state to take advantage of the opportunities associated with advanced nuclear, which will provide round-the-clock reliable clean energy while cultivating the partnerships needed to bring the project from concept to concrete.”
RFQ Targets Experienced Nuclear Developers
NYPA’s RFQ follows market engagement conducted through 2025 Requests for Information. More than 30 entities responded to those RFIs. That included 23 potential developers or partners and eight Upstate New York communities.
The new RFQ seeks firms with proven experience in developing, building, operating or servicing nuclear power projects. Respondents must show credible pathways to deliver at least 1 GW of advanced nuclear capacity in Upstate New York.
NYPA is asking for detail on technology readiness, siting, permitting, delivery schedules and cost assumptions. It also wants clarity on ownership structures and partnership models.
That matters for investors and state officials. Advanced nuclear projects face complex licensing, financing and supply chain challenges. The RFQ process gives New York an early view of which developers can move from concept to bankable execution.
$40 Million To Build A Nuclear Workforce
The workforce RFA is designed to prepare New Yorkers for construction and operations roles tied to the state’s nuclear buildout.
NYPA has committed up to $40 million over four years to support nuclear workforce initiatives. Funding will support training, hands-on experience, paid internships and job placement.
Eligible applicants include technical high schools, community colleges, universities, trade associations, unions, manufacturers, community-based organizations and state or federally recognized Native American nations and tribal organizations.
For the C-suite, this workforce piece is not a side issue. Labour availability is becoming a central risk in clean energy delivery. New York is trying to build a talent pipeline before project execution tightens.
NYPA will host an informational webinar for workforce applicants on June 18.
RELATED ARTICLE: What New York’s New Emissions Reporting Rule Means for ESG Investing
Reliability, Affordability And Energy Security
New York’s nuclear push comes as power demand rises across the U.S. Grid operators are managing electrification, industrial growth and the rapid expansion of data centres. For state leaders, firm clean power is becoming a strategic asset.
New York Power Authority President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said, “New York needs reliable, around-the-clock clean power to meet growing energy demand, sustain economic momentum, and achieve a clean energy economy. These solicitations will help NYPA establish the roadmap for deploying the first new nuclear facility in New York in a generation that will deliver the dependable, emissions-free power we will rely on for decades to come.”
NYPA says the nuclear initiative is intended to complement renewable generation, not replace it. The authority is positioning advanced nuclear as firm zero-emission power that can strengthen grid reliability while supporting affordability.
The strategy also reflects state priorities around energy independence and supply chain security. That framing is increasingly important as governments link clean power to economic development, manufacturing and regional competitiveness.
Building The Institutional Base
New York has been laying the institutional groundwork for advanced nuclear development.
Last year, NYPA expanded its leadership team for nuclear work. It appointed Todd Josifovski as Senior Vice President of Nuclear Energy Development. It also hired former Nuclear Regulatory Commission Chair Christopher Hanson as a senior consultant to help guide nuclear financing and federal permitting.
In December 2025, Hochul announced that NYPA would collaborate with Ontario Power Generation on advanced nuclear energy technologies. The partnership is focused on information sharing, technological innovation, nuclear financing, economics and workforce development.
New York is also developing a Master Plan for Responsible Advanced Nuclear Development. NYSERDA is leading that process with the Department of Public Service and other state agencies.
NYSERDA has already published a Blueprint for Advanced Nuclear Energy Technologies. The full Master Plan is expected by the end of 2026.
For global energy leaders, New York’s approach reflects a broader shift. Nuclear power is moving back into mainstream clean energy planning as governments search for firm, low-carbon capacity. The question now is whether policy ambition can translate into licensed projects, skilled labour and investable delivery models.
The post New York Advances 1 GW Nuclear Plan With $40 Million Workforce Push appeared first on ESG News.
