Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - New York Gov. Kathy Hochul was joined by Ontario Premier Doug Ford in Buffalo on Friday to announce a landmark agreement to support advanced nuclear technology between the New York Power Authority (NYPA) and Ontario Power Generation (OPG).
The signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishes a framework for collaboration on the development of advanced nuclear energy technologies, including large-scale nuclear and small modular reactors (SMRs), to strengthen energy reliability, affordability, and decarbonization efforts in New York and Ontario.
"New York and Ontario have a proud tradition of trade, cooperation and a bond that cannot be broken," said Gov. Hochul during Friday's announcement at the Buffalo AKG Art Museum. "This first-of-its-kind agreement represents a bold step forward in our relationship and New York’s pursuit of a clean energy future. By partnering with Ontario Power Generation and its extensive nuclear experience, New York is positioning itself at the forefront of advanced nuclear technology deployment, ensuring we have safe, reliable, affordable, and carbon-free energy that will help power the jobs of tomorrow."
Gov. Hochul and Premier Ford also signed a Declaration of Intent (DOI) on Friday, pledging continued cooperation between the state and province. The DOI recognizes the shared history, and values between New York and Ontario and the essential contribution of businesses, whose cross-border activities promote job creation, stimulate innovation and strengthen shared prosperity.
The DOI comes as a show of partnership at a time when the U.S. federal government has imposed tariffs on Canada that have impacted businesses, tourism and crossings on both sides of the border.
"From building the first small modular reactors in the G7 to building the first large-scale nuclear facilities in decades, Ontario is proud to lead the world in nuclear innovation. By working together with New York, we’re creating good-paying jobs, growing our economies and delivering clean, affordable power for families and businesses on both sides of the border for generations to come," said Premier Ford on Friday.
Under the MOU, NYPA and OPG will share information and leverage their respective expertise and resources to advance technological innovation, enhance understanding of nuclear financing and economics, and support workforce development initiatives needed to enable the development of advanced nuclear facilities in New York and Ontario.
They will also explore opportunities to enhance electricity trade between Ontario and New York to improve reliability and reduce emissions.
Areas of Collaboration under the MOU include:
- Technology and Expertise Sharing: Continued mutual collaboration in the development and deployment of advanced nuclear technology for energy generation, including site and technology selection, project development, project management, plant operations, nuclear waste management, licensing, permitting, financing, and supply chain opportunities for New York and Ontario companies to supply parts and services for new nuclear builds.
- Workforce Development: Initiatives to strengthen the nuclear workforce, including collaboration with labor unions to identify skill gaps, specialized training programs, and joint projects to expand opportunities and ensure job quality in high demand careers in New York and Ontario.
- Cross-Border Ventures: Exploration of opportunities and models for mutually advantageous business ventures to enhance electricity trade and support the deployment of advanced nuclear resources and technologies to reliably and affordably meet the growing electricity needs in each jurisdiction.
Starting next year, leaders from NYPA and OPG will form a working group to oversee the implementation of the MOU.