The New York Power Authority (NYPA) has issued its first solicitations as part of a new initiative to develop 1 GWe of advanced nuclear energy. The two solicitations include a Request for Information (RFI) for Upstate New York communities interested in hosting an advanced nuclear project developed by NYPA and an RFI seeking information from potential development partners with experience developing, constructing, operating or servicing nuclear power projects.
The initiative came after Governor Kathy Hochul in June called on the Power Authority to develop at least 1 GW of advanced nuclear capacity in Upstate New York to address growing reliability, affordability and clean energy capacity concerns. NYPA immediately began pre-feasibility efforts and launched discussions with a range of stakeholders, including labour organisations on workforce development needs for the initiative. The nuclear initiative is intended to deliver firm, zero-emission power that complements renewable generation, strengthens grid reliability, prioritises affordability and advances an energy policy based on energy independence and supply chain security.
“At the Power Authority, we recognise that the success of this transformative advanced nuclear initiative hinges on our ability to collaborate with communities, governmental agencies at the state and federal level, and the private sector,” said NYPA President & CEO Justin E Driscoll. “Through these Requests for Information, we aim to gather input from developers and communities across Upstate New York to shape our approach to site selection and partnerships that provide the greatest value for New York. Together, we can achieve an abundant power supply that supports New York’s economy, fosters job creation, and furthers the clean energy transition.”
Following Governor Hochul’s initial announcement, NYPA heard informally from several community leaders and elected officials willing to host an advanced nuclear facility. By issuing an RFI, NYPA has formalised a process to receive information from interested communities and learn more about potential sites that meet the requirements for hosting a nuclear power facility.
Responding communities are expected to identify at least one site in Upstate New York with strong potential for a nuclear new build as it relates to size, water access and protection from external hazards. They should also demonstrate support from community members and key stakeholders. Responses should be received by 11 December.
The second RFI for nuclear project developers and partners seeks information regarding viable project concepts that include technology recommendations, siting considerations, cost and timeline assumptions, ownership structure and partnership models. The responses should demonstrate a credible path to delivering at least 1 GWe of advanced nuclear capacity as soon as possible, with construction start by 2033. Interested parties should demonstrate a track record of developing, constructing, operating or servicing nuclear power projects.
NYPA explained that the RFIs are neither contract offers nor requests for proposals and do not commit NYPA to award a contract or pay any costs incurred in the preparation of a response. The RFIs will not result in a pre-qualification of bidders for a future procurement action. Failure to submit a response will not impact a respondent’s ability to participate in or respond to any future competitive solicitation process for projects.
NYPA is the largest state public power organisation in the US, operating 17 generating facilities and more than 1,550 circuit-miles of transmission lines. More than 80% of the electricity NYPA produces is hydropower.
Currently, New York State has three NPPs with four reactors, which provide a significant portion of the state’s electricity. They are all operated by Constellation Energy. The Nine Mile Point Clean Energy Centre in Oswego, comprises two boiling water reactors (BWRs) rated at 644 MWe and 1,375 MWe commissioned in 1969 and 1988. The RE Ginna Clean Energy Centre on the south shore of Lake Ontario, this plant has a single 580 MWe pressurised water reactor (PWR) commissioned in 1970. Fitzpatrick Nuclear Power Plant in Oswego has one 813 MWe BWR reactor commissioned in 1975.
The Indian Point NPP, 58 km from New York City saw its three PWRs closed down in 1974, 2020 and 2021.
