New York, Ontario team up for nuclear

Under their memorandum of understanding, Ontario Power Generation (OPG) and the New York Power Authority (NYPA) will leverage Ontario's "global nuclear leadership" to advance the development and deployment of nuclear technologies, including large-scale reactors and small modular reactors (SMRs), to meet growing electricity demand and protect long-term energy security. NYPA and OPG will share information and use their respective expertise and resources to "advance technological innovation, enhance understanding of nuclear financing and economics, and support workforce development initiatives needed to enable the development of advanced nuclear facilities in New York and Ontario. They will also explore opportunities to enhance electricity trade between Ontario and New York to improve reliability and reduce emissions," the New York Power Authority said.

The declaration of intent signed by New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Ontario Premier Doug Ford recognises "the shared history, and values" of the US state and the Canadian province, which share an international border.

"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."

"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," said Ford. "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."

In June, Hochul directed the NYPA - the state's public electric utility - to develop at least 1 GWe of advanced nuclear capacity in Upstate New York, and in early December announced USD40 million of funding over the next four years to develop the workforce needed to support the planned deployment. Meanwhile, in Ontario, OPG is working towards the construction of four SMRs at the Darlington New Nuclear Project as well as the potential construction of new large-scale nuclear capacity.

"As we construct the G7's first grid-scale SMR and continue engagement on the potential for new large-scale generation at our Wesleyville site in Port Hope, we look forward to building on our long-standing relationship with NYPA. We and NYPA will share expertise and collaborate in ways that benefit both of our jurisdictions as we advance the development of nuclear technologies," OPG President and CEO Nicolle Butcher said.