New York and Ontario signed a partnership agreement on December 19 to collaborate on nuclear power development. The deal positions Ontario to share its nuclear expertise as New York pursues its first commercial reactor in over 15 years.
The memorandum of understanding between New York Power Authority and Ontario Power Generation establishes a framework for developing both large-scale nuclear plants and small modular reactors. The two utilities will share knowledge on technology, financing, and workforce development.
Ontario currently generates enough nuclear electricity to power 16 million homes and operates three nuclear stations. The province broke ground this year on Canada’s first small modular reactors at the Darlington site, making it the first G7 country to construct grid-scale SMRs, according to CBC News.
New York plans to develop at least 1,000 megawatts of new nuclear generation in the upstate region to address growing power needs driven by expanding industries, electrified transportation, and building climate systems. Hochul announced in June that the state would build its first new commercial nuclear reactor in more than 15 years.
Twenty-three developers have expressed interest in working with NYPA on nuclear projects, while eight communities have shown interest in hosting plants.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Hochul signed the agreement at a Buffalo news conference amid heightened US-Canada trade tensions. The partnership affirms Ontario’s role as a key energy partner, with two-way trade between the jurisdictions valued at $39 billion.
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Ontario will assist New York in selecting nuclear sites and technologies, project development, and supply chain development. The provinces’ utilities have maintained a cross-border partnership since the 1950s, jointly developing facilities on the St. Lawrence River.
The four SMRs under construction at Darlington will add 300 megawatts to Ontario’s grid, generating enough electricity to power 300,000 homes when they come online starting in 2030.
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