New York energy plan recognises role of nuclear

The State Energy Plan - approved by the State Energy Planning Board on 16 December - provides broad policy direction that guides energy-related decision making within New York State. The plan includes an outlook up to 2040 with recommendations for meeting future energy demands that prioritise an energy system that is affordable, reliable, and clean while supporting economic development, equity, and a healthy environment.

The process to update the State Energy Plan was announced in August 2024. The State Energy Planning Board, comprised of the heads of ten state agencies and authorities, appointees from the Governor, Senate, and Assembly, and the president of the New York Independent System Operator, commenced its work to assess and compile data to inform the Draft State Energy Plan, which was released in July 2025 for public review and comment. The release of the 2025 Plan follows a robust public comment period which included ten public hearings, seven in-person and three virtual, and written comment.

"Nuclear power plants have provided reliable and zero-emission electricity in New York for decades," the plan says. "Nuclear energy is entering a new phase of technological advancement and deployment opportunities - with performance characteristics that align with the scale of emerging energy needs. The State's current nuclear facilities are supported, in part, by the Zero Emission Credit (ZEC) programme. Nuclear energy is expected to continue to play an important role in providing clean firm generation."

The plan recommends the State evaluate the extension of the ZEC programme prior to any federal relicensing application deadlines to ensure the continued operation of the existing nuclear fleet to help meet State climate goals as well as maintain fuel diversity and fuel security. Any extension, it says, should be done with ratepayer protection in mind, in addition to the reliability needs of the grid. Through its Master Plan for Responsible Advanced Nuclear Development, the State should also continue to examine key considerations for advanced nuclear for long-term planning.

In January, State Governor Kathy Hochul outlined plans to develop a Master Plan for Responsible Advanced Nuclear Development in New York as part of a USD1 billion proposal to achieve a more sustainable - and affordable - future for the state. The development of the master plan is being led by New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) working with the Department of Public Service. Under the plan, the New York Power Authority (NYPA) is to begin evaluation of technologies, business models, and locations for the first new nuclear power plant immediately, and will secure the key partnerships needed for the project. This will include site and technology feasibility assessments as well as consideration of financing options. Candidate locations will be assessed for suitability based on public safety, strength of community support, compatibility with existing infrastructure, as well as skilled labour and land availability.

"The State's zero emissions by 2040 target is urgent, especially when viewed relative to the long development timelines of nuclear projects," the State Energy Plan says. "Early development efforts are therefore important. The State is already undertaking examples of such early deployment action through NYPA's role to develop 1 GW of advanced nuclear power generation as per Governor Hochul's direction in June 2025 and NYSERDA's support for an early site permitting funding application by Constellation. Early development efforts should be undertaken in coordination with the Master Plan process and reflect collaboration with other states to ensure that any deployment commitments leverage the insights and benefits from those initiatives."

NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen Harris, chair of the State Energy Planning Board, said: "The State Energy Plan is the product of a pragmatic and objective process that comes at a critical yet challenging time for energy planning in New York as we continue to build out renewable resources while factoring in new energy demands and confronting federal headwinds. I commend my fellow Board members and state agency staff for their dedication to developing this Plan, which identifies specific actions to advance over the next several years while maintaining resource diversity – which is key to continued energy reliability and affordability for all New Yorkers."

Four nuclear reactors - all operated by Constellation Energy - currently provide some 21.4% of all New York's electricity, and 41.6% of its carbon-free electricity, according to information from the Nuclear Energy Institute. The state has already supported the continued operation of those facilities - two units at Nine Mile Point and the single-unit Ginna and Fitzpatrick plants - by explicitly recognising the zero-carbon contribution of the plants in its 2016 Clean Energy Standard as critical in enabling it to meet its climate change targets.