Nuclear power is having “a moment.”
As electricity demand grows, advanced manufacturing expands, and New York State pursues ambitious clean energy goals, policymakers and industry leaders are confronting an important question: How can New York build enough reliable, around-the-clock power needed to support future growth?
Nuclear energy took center stage at Operation Oswego County's Annual Meeting, where more than 150 leaders from business, government, education, labor, and community organizations gathered to discuss New York's economic future.
As keynote speaker Rich Barlette, Director of State and Regulatory Affairs at Constellation, joined OOC Executive Director Austin Wheelock for a fireside chat on energy, economic development, and workforce growth, the discussion highlighted an opportunity for New York to build upon decades of nuclear experience as it enters the next chapter of its clean energy transition.
“There's really only one generation technology that can provide 24/7 firm, clean power,” said Barlette, pointing to the growing demand for reliable, carbon-free electricity.
The following are the key takeaways from the meeting.
1. Experience Matters
Successful advanced nuclear projects will depend on the right mix of infrastructure, workforce expertise, and community support. That includes access to cooling water, transportation networks capable of moving large equipment, and a highly skilled workforce prepared to build and operate next-generation facilities.
Those advantages are built over decades. Oswego County is one example—a community that already possesses experienced workers, established infrastructure, mature emergency planning, and longstanding partnerships among utilities, local governments, educators, emergency responders, and residents. Those assets provide a foundation future projects can build upon.
2. Nuclear is Key to Meeting New York's Growing Energy Needs
New York's economy is entering a period of rapidly growing electricity demand.
Major investments in semiconductor manufacturing, advanced manufacturing, electrification, and emerging technologies are driving the need for dependable, always-on energy. At the same time, the state continues working toward ambitious clean energy goals while maintaining a reliable electric grid.
Advanced nuclear energy is uniquely positioned to help meet both challenges, delivering around-the-clock, emissions-free electricity at the scale future growth will require.
Governor Kathy Hochul has directed state agencies to advance new nuclear technologies while establishing a statewide goal of developing five gigawatts of additional nuclear capacity. [1]
Momentum is also growing at the federal level. Recent Department of Energy support for early site permitting efforts reflects increasing national confidence in advanced nuclear technologies and the communities best positioned to host them.
Together, these efforts represent an opportunity to strengthen New York's economy while ensuring the state has the reliable electricity needed to support future growth.
3. This is an Investment in New York's Workforce
Behind every nuclear facility is a workforce that powers far more than the electric grid.
Engineers, electricians, operators, maintenance technicians, security professionals, project managers, contractors, and skilled tradespeople all contribute to an industry that supports families, strengthens local businesses, and creates long-term career opportunities across New York. Many of these are high-skilled, family-sustaining union jobs that offer strong wages, benefits, and pathways for future generations of workers.
When accounting for both direct and indirect employment, New York's existing nuclear fleet supports approximately 14,400 jobs statewide. Over the next 20 years, it’s expected to contribute an estimated $38 billion to the state's economy.
Those numbers represent careers, apprenticeships, thriving local businesses, and communities strengthened by stable, long-term investment. Before plants begin producing electricity, advanced nuclear facilities would create thousands of additional construction jobs, followed by decades of permanent, high-quality maintenance careers.
Looking ahead, new nuclear development will be transformational for even more New York communities.
4. We are Building New York's Energy Future
The discussion in Oswego reflects a broader reality facing New York.
Electricity demand is rising. Manufacturers are expanding. New industries are choosing New York. Meeting those needs while maintaining a clean, dependable electric grid will require thoughtful investment in proven technologies and the communities equipped to support them.
New York's existing nuclear communities have spent decades building the workforce, infrastructure, and public confidence that future projects will depend upon. Those investments have helped provide safe, reliable electricity for generations while supporting local economies across the state.
As New York looks ahead, communities like Oswego provide a blueprint for how nuclear energy can strengthen the economy, create new opportunities for workers and families, and deliver the reliable, emissions-free power needed to fuel the state's next chapter of growth.
—
Endnotes
[1] New York State Governor's Office. Governor Hochul Announces Plan to Advance a Zero-Emission Advanced Nuclear EnergyEconomy in New York and related State of the State initiatives. https://www.governor.ny.gov/
[2] New York Public Service Commission. ZeroEmission Credit (ZEC) Program implementation materials and Future EnergyAlliance analysis summarizing the extension of New York's existing nuclear fleet through 2049 (14,400 jobs; $38 billion GDP contribution).
[4] https://nysaflcio.org/news/nuclear-oped-june2025
[5] https://www.energy.gov/ne/articles/5-things-you-should-know-about-plant-vogtle?nrg_redirect=364458