Ontario and New York State have formalized a new partnership aimed at advancing affordable, reliable, and clean nuclear energy. The agreement was confirmed by Ontario Premier Doug Ford and New York Governor Kathy Hochul, strengthening cross-border collaboration in nuclear power development.
As part of the partnership, Ontario Power Generation (OPG) and the New York Power Authority (NYPA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Buffalo. The agreement will see Ontario share its global nuclear expertise with New York, including experience in large-scale reactors and small modular reactors (SMRs), which are currently under construction at the Darlington nuclear site in Clarington.
Premier Ford said the partnership highlights Ontario’s leadership in nuclear innovation, noting that cooperation with New York will help create well-paying jobs, grow both economies, and deliver clean, affordable power for decades.
Under the agreement, both jurisdictions will collaborate on public education about the economic and environmental benefits of nuclear energy, explore opportunities to expand electricity trade, strengthen the nuclear workforce, and identify joint OPG–NYPA projects that support job creation on both sides of the border.
Governor Hochul described the agreement as a major step toward New York’s clean energy future, adding that Ontario’s nuclear experience positions New York at the forefront of advanced nuclear technology deployment.
Ontario is home to three nuclear generating stations and the first grid-scale SMR under construction in the G7, with a strong track record of delivering large-scale nuclear refurbishments on time and on budget. This expertise will support New York’s commitment to developing at least 1,000 megawatts of new nuclear generation upstate to meet rising electricity demand and replace aging fossil-fuel facilities.
The two governments already share a strong energy relationship, with two-way trade valued at $39 billion. Between 2021 and 2023, Ontario exported more than 40 terawatt hours of electricity to several U.S. states, including New York.
OPG CEO Nicholle Butcher said the partnership builds on a long-standing relationship with NYPA, while Ontario Energy Minister Stephen Lecce emphasized that the agreement opens the door for Ontario’s nuclear technology and supply chain to support clean energy growth and job creation in both regions.
Photo Credits : INSauga
