Ontario and New York have signed a new agreement to work together on the development of affordable, reliable and clean nuclear power, a move both governments say will support energy security and economic growth on both sides of the border.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford and New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed the agreement Friday in Buffalo. As part of the deal, Ontario Power Generation and the New York Power Authority also signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on the development and deployment of nuclear technologies, including large-scale reactors and small modular reactors.
“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,” Ford said. “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.”
Ontario is home to the first grid-scale small modular reactor under construction in the G7, as well as three nuclear generating stations. The province says it will share its expertise with New York in areas including nuclear site selection, project development, operations and supply chain development.
“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.”
Under the agreement, Ontario and New York will work to share expertise on advanced nuclear technology, educate the public on its economic and environmental benefits, explore opportunities to expand electricity trade and collaborate on initiatives to strengthen the nuclear workforce.
The two jurisdictions already share a strong cross-border energy relationship, with multiple electricity interties supporting two-way power trade. New York has committed to developing at least 1,000 megawatts of new nuclear generation in upstate New York to meet growing electricity demand and replace aging fossil-fuelled power sources.
Ontario officials say expanding nuclear cooperation is expected to create jobs, strengthen North American supply chains and support long-term economic growth while maintaining reliable, emissions-free power.
