New York is staking its energy future on nuclear power, with leaders from across the state, the U.S., and Canada convening in Manhattan to discuss workforce development and the expansion of atomic technology. The roundtable, hosted by the New York Power Authority (NYPA), explored strategies to train and prepare the next generation of operators, engineers, and safety specialists needed to support the state’s growing nuclear ambitions.
“As New York State electrifies its economy and continues to attract large manufacturers that create good-paying jobs, we must embrace an energy policy of abundance that centers on energy independence and supply chain security to ensure New York controls its energy future,” said Gov. Kathy Hochul, who presided over the meeting. “That begins with nuclear power for the benefit of all New Yorkers.”
The meeting included officials from NYSERDA, the Department of Labor, SUNY, the Department of Public Service, the Nuclear Energy Institute, Ontario Power Generation, and major labor unions. Discussions centered on education, training programs, and collaborative initiatives to build a skilled workforce ready to operate and maintain new nuclear facilities.
“Building and operating advanced nuclear facilities requires a strategic workforce pipeline. It is critical to begin this work now to meet future demands and ensure a reliable, emissions-free future for New Yorkers,” said Justin E. Driscoll, NYPA President and CEO.
“We’re ready to collaborate with partners across state agencies, industry, and communities to ensure workers are prepared and local communities realize long-term benefits from nuclear projects,” said Doreen M. Harris, NYSERDA President, emphasizing workforce readiness.
Roberta Reardon, Commissioner of the Department of Labor, highlighted the career opportunities nuclear energy could bring: "Through Registered Apprenticeships, our Teacher Ambassador Program, and partnerships with businesses, we stand ready to train the workforce that will help this growing sector thrive.” SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. added that the university system is committed to preparing students for high-demand energy careers, from technician certificates to advanced research degrees.
“The expansion of nuclear energy is the missing piece in New York’s pursuit of our goals to limit harmful pollutants, cut energy costs, build the clean energy workforce, and ultimately establish a green economy,” said Gary LaBarbera, President of the New York State Building and Construction Trades Council. He emphasized that thousands of family-sustaining union careers could be created through these projects, benefiting local communities across the state.
The roundtable follows Hochul’s June directive for NYPA to develop at least one new nuclear facility with a minimum capacity of 1 gigawatt. It comes a year after her Future Energy Economy Summit and reflects a broader strategy to position New York as a national leader in clean energy innovation, nuclear workforce development, and long-term energy independence.
Upstate officials are advocating for a plant near two existing facilities along Lake Ontario near Oswego. Locating a reactor on Long Island seems remote, given the public opposition that forced the closing of the Shoreham plant before it produced a single watt of commercial power, leaving the ratepayers with a $23.56 billion tab.
New York’s three nuclear facilities are:
- James A. FitzPatrick Nuclear Power Plant—Lycoming, near Oswego
- Nine Mile Point Nuclear Generating Station—Scriba, near Oswego
- R.E. Ginna Nuclear Power Plant—near Rochester on the Lake Ontario shore