This past Climate Week, Nuclear New York’s 2026 symposium brought together regulators, labor leaders, host communities, developers, and other energy leaders around a shared question: How can New York build the reliable, emission free energy it needs for the future?
As the governor to set the most ambitious goal in the country on building new nuclear generation at scale, Governor Hochul is leading the charge for the next generation of our energy grid. This has sparked renewed investment in the industry. At September’s symposium, the excitement was palpable as experts discussed how to make these plans a reality for New York.
Reliability is top of mind
“Every single New Yorker expects that when they flip the switch, the light goes on,” said Rory Christian, Chairman of the New York State Public Service Commission, in his keynote address.
“Nuclear is uniquely positioned to secure this level of reliability while playing a key role in meeting the state’s future energy needs.”
Meeting New York’s growing energy need with emissions free energy resources will require a combination of nuclear and renewables. To complement New York’s growing solar and wind resources, New York needs energy that can run around-the-clock — and nuclear is the answer.
“Nuclear is uniquely suited to contribute to all of the needs of our state at once, but only if we do it right,” said Doreen Harris, President and CEO of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).
“Nuclear has anchored our state’s grid for over 50 years, and thousands of New Yorkers have built their careers inside those plants.”
Four Key Takeaways from the Symposium
What you should know about nuclear, according to the experts:
1. Now is our nuclear moment.
With a favorable political landscape, New Yorkers eager for clean, reliable, affordable energy, and communities raising their hand to host new nuclear, this is a unique moment of upward momentum.
2. Communities are eager to welcome plants.
Eight communities submitted letters of interest to host a plant. Panelists, all representing these communities, stressed the importance of building long-lasting relationships between towns and the plants they host through community engagement and education.
3. We can build a nuclear industry pipeline.
Building a new nuclear plant takes several years, but New York has used smart policy and strategic investments to kickstart an industry before. Like offshore wind, New York can create an industry pipeline that supports in-state manufacturing and union workers.
4. Nuclear projects create high-paying, union careers.
To fully capitalize on this moment, the nuclear industry needs workers ready to build and maintain new projects across the state. By investing in workers and hiring union labor, the state and industry can work together to ensure that the nuclear moment uplifts all New York communities with high-paying, family-sustaining jobs.