Last week, Gov. Kathy Hochul directed the New York Power Authority to develop and construct a zero-emission advanced nuclear power plant in Upstate New York to support a reliable and affordable electric grid, while providing the necessary zero-emission electricity to achieve a clean energy economy. Jamestown’s Board of Public Utilities General Manager, David Leathers was in attendance at the announcement, and discussed some of his thoughts about it during the June board meeting.

“I think it’s a new direction for New York state and kind of a bold announcement to reliable, emission-free baseload generation so from that perspective, it’s extremely positive,” Leathers said. “Directing NYPA to lead the development and construction process is just another thing that NYPA will be responsible for, so we’ll continue to keep our eye on how resources are allocated.”

NYPA, in coordination with the Department of Public Service, will seek to develop at least one new nuclear energy facility with a combined capacity of no less than one gigawatt of electricity, either alone or in partnership with private entities, to support the state’s electric grid and the people and businesses that rely on it.

NYPA will immediately begin evaluation of technologies, business models, and locations for this first nuclear power plant and will secure the key partnerships needed for the project. This process will include site and technology feasibility assessments as well as consideration of financing options, in coordination with the forthcoming studies included in the master plan for Responsible Advanced Nuclear Development in New York, led by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and DPS. Candidate locations will be assessed for suitability based on public safety, strength of community support, compatibility with existing infrastructure, as well as skilled labor and land availability.

Leathers said he spoke with the CEO of NYPA while there and that he looks forward to many more conversations with them surrounding hydropower. He added that he felt there still needs to be a bridge in New York State when it comes to electrical generation and reliability.

“I think the New York ISO has highlighted concerns that reliability is an issue that needs to be addressed,” Leathers said. “A nuclear plant that likely isn’t going to be operational for 10 years is not a near time solution to some of the challenges that exist in the state.”

Leathers said they will continue to follow the project and give input along with their state partners as the project moves forward, but said that he believed the announcement was received positively.