Governor Hochul Announces Significant Steps in Development of at Least 1 GW of Nuclear Energy in Upstate New York

NYPA Issues RFQ for Advanced Nuclear Developers and RFA for

Statewide Nuclear Workforce Training

$40 Million Workforce Initiative Advances NextGen Nuclear New York Program, Will Expand Training and Job Pathways in the Nuclear Energy Sector

Governor Hochul today announced the release of two solicitations that will advance the New York Power Authority’s (NYPA) initiative to develop at least 1 gigawatt (GW) of advanced nuclear energy in Upstate New York. NYPA issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for experienced nuclear developers and delivery partners, along with a Request for Applications (RFA) inviting New York State-based training providers to apply for $40 million in NYPA nuclear workforce development funding. Together, the actions support Governor Hochul’s 5GW Nuclear Reliability Backbone announced by Governor Hochul in her 2026 State of the State. In addition to the 3.4GW of existing nuclear power in the State, this will result in an 8.4-GW backbone of zero‑emission nuclear power that strengthens grid reliability, affordability, and New York’s clean energy transition.

“Nearly a year ago, I called on the Power Authority to lay the groundwork for the next era of emissions-free power in New York as part of my all-of-the-above approach to energy,” Governor Hochul said. “The solicitations announced today will help ensure New York is poised to lead the nation in new nuclear development, that along with renewables, will provide needed power in the face of increasing demand to keep the lights on while helping keep costs down. By taking a proactive approach, we are preparing our state to take advantage of the opportunities associated with advanced nuclear, which will provide round-the-clock reliable clean energy while cultivating the partnerships needed to bring the project from concept to concrete.”

RFQ for Advanced Nuclear Developers and Delivery Partners

The Power Authority’s RFQ builds on robust interest received from responses to NYPA’s 2025 Requests for Information and seeks to qualify firms with demonstrated experience developing, constructing, operating, or servicing nuclear power projects. More than 30 entities responded to the RFIs, including 23 potential developers or partners and eight Upstate New York communities.

Respondents to this NYPA RFQ should present credible pathways to deliver at least 1 GW of advanced nuclear capacity in Upstate New York, including technology readiness, siting and permitting strategy, schedule and cost assumptions, ownership structures, and partnership models.

RFA for Nuclear Energy Workforce Training

The latest NYPA RFA is tied to the Power Authority’s commitment to invest up to $40 million over four years in workforce initiatives that build New York’s nuclear talent pipeline—supporting training, hands‑on experience, paid internships, and job placement in critical construction and operations roles. Eligible New York State-based training providers include technical high schools, community colleges, universities, trade associations, unions, manufacturers, community‑based organizations, and state or federally recognized Native American nations and tribal organizations.

The $40 million in NYPA workforce development funding is part of Governor Hochul’s NextGen Nuclear New York program, which will help ensure New York’s nuclear power future is built by and for New Yorkers.

NYPA will host an informational webinar for groups interested in responding to the workforce RFA on Thursday, June 18. The registration link can be found on the NYPA Workforce Development webpage.

Governor Hochul today announced the release of two solicitations that will advance the New York Power Authority’s (NYPA) initiative to develop at least 1 gigawatt (GW) of advanced nuclear energy in Upstate New York. NYPA issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for experienced nuclear developers and delivery partners, along with a Request for Applications (RFA) inviting New York State-based training providers to apply for $40 million in NYPA nuclear workforce development funding. Together, the actions support Governor Hochul’s 5GW Nuclear Reliability Backbone announced by Governor Hochul in her 2026 State of the State. In addition to the 3.4GW of existing nuclear power in the State, this will result in an 8.4-GW backbone of zero‑emission nuclear power that strengthens grid reliability, affordability, and New York’s clean energy transition.

“Nearly a year ago, I called on the Power Authority to lay the groundwork for the next era of emissions-free power in New York as part of my all-of-the-above approach to energy,” Governor Hochul said. “The solicitations announced today will help ensure New York is poised to lead the nation in new nuclear development, that along with renewables, will provide needed power in the face of increasing demand to keep the lights on while helping keep costs down. By taking a proactive approach, we are preparing our state to take advantage of the opportunities associated with advanced nuclear, which will provide round-the-clock reliable clean energy while cultivating the partnerships needed to bring the project from concept to concrete.”

RFQ for Advanced Nuclear Developers and Delivery Partners

The Power Authority’s RFQ builds on robust interest received from responses to NYPA’s 2025 Requests for Information and seeks to qualify firms with demonstrated experience developing, constructing, operating, or servicing nuclear power projects. More than 30 entities responded to the RFIs, including 23 potential developers or partners and eight Upstate New York communities.

Respondents to this NYPA RFQ should present credible pathways to deliver at least 1 GW of advanced nuclear capacity in Upstate New York, including technology readiness, siting and permitting strategy, schedule and cost assumptions, ownership structures, and partnership models.

RFA for Nuclear Energy Workforce Training

The latest NYPA RFA is tied to the Power Authority’s commitment to invest up to $40 million over four years in workforce initiatives that build New York’s nuclear talent pipeline—supporting training, hands‑on experience, paid internships, and job placement in critical construction and operations roles. Eligible New York State-based training providers include technical high schools, community colleges, universities, trade associations, unions, manufacturers, community‑based organizations, and state or federally recognized Native American nations and tribal organizations.

The $40 million in NYPA workforce development funding is part of Governor Hochul’s NextGen Nuclear New York program, which will help ensure New York’s nuclear power future is built by and for New Yorkers.

NYPA will host an informational webinar for groups interested in responding to the workforce RFA on Thursday, June 18. The registration link can be found on the NYPA Workforce Development webpage.