New York Partners with Constellation To Secure Federal Funds For Nuclear Reactor

Constellation, the largest clean energy producer in the U.S., applauds New York State’s new policies aimed at expanding advanced nuclear energy. These policies support the state’s goal of providing clean, reliable, and affordable electricity for all residents. Constellation and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) have partnered on a grant proposal to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The grant will support efforts to obtain an early site permit from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for building one or more advanced nuclear reactors at the Nine Mile Point Clean Energy Center in Oswego, New York.

Joe Dominguez, Constellation’s president and CEO, stated “We appreciate the governor’s leadership and New York’s ongoing support for nuclear energy, which produces more than 20% of the state’s energy, supporting millions of households and businesses and employing thousands of hardworking women and men in family-sustaining jobs. Constellation has previously worked with NYSERDA to develop leading clean hydrogen production and fuel cell technologies using nuclear power. Now, NYSERDA and Constellation are once again joining together with a commitment to explore advanced nuclear energy technologies and continue the meaningful progress toward New York’s clean energy and economic development goals.”

New York has shown strong leadership in supporting Constellation’s three upstate nuclear facilities, which generate nearly 50% of the state’s clean electricity. To explore the potential for new nuclear power in the state, NYSERDA has provided cost-share funding. This is an important first step toward creating thousands of jobs and achieving New York’s clean energy and reliability goals, especially as electricity demand continues to rise.

If approved, funding from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will be used to seek an early site permit at Nine Mile Point. This permit, issued by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), would validate the site for future nuclear power plant development. The permit is valid for 10 to 20 years, during which the company can apply for a construction and operating license. The DOE is expected to announce funding decisions by early summer. In addition, New York has committed to leading a multi-state Consortium on Nuclear Energy. This initiative aims to reduce costs and share risks, further supporting the advancement of new nuclear technologies.