NYSERDA and DPS Announce Publication of Advanced Nuclear Policy Options Paper

Paper Represents First Piece of New York's Master Plan for Responsible Advanced Nuclear Development

June 12, 2026

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and the Department of Public Service (DPS) today announced the joint publication of an Advanced Nuclear Policy Options Paper. The Options Paper contains an evaluation of the policy mechanisms to support new grid-scale advanced nuclear projects, including assessing barriers to commercial viability, risk management, potential financial support and funding, technology selection and procurement approaches that can support viable projects. Today's announcement contributes to Governor Kathy Hochul's 2026 State of the State directive to facilitate the development of a total of five gigawatts of new firm, emission-free, nuclear power.

The Options Paper released today represents one component of, and is an important first piece of the Master Plan for Responsible Advanced Nuclear Development in New York (Advanced Nuclear Master Plan). The Advanced Nuclear Master Plan is under development and expected to be published by the end of 2026. The Options Paper is also being filed to support yesterday's Public Service Commission (PSC) Order Establishing a Nuclear Reliability Backbone Process.

NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, "The Advanced Nuclear Policy Options Paper reflects an objective assessment of business models and key considerations for nuclear development grounded in research now available for public review and comment. Across the U.S., there is a need for clear analysis and thorough examination of the options on how best to pursue advanced nuclear power generation, and this Options Paper provides both - offering a robust basis for public discussion on responsible deployment of reliable, zero-emission advanced nuclear technologies that will inform New York's next steps toward building a Nuclear Backbone."

DPS Chair and CEO Rory M. Christian said, "Nuclear energy has provided emissions free electrification for over 50 years, providing 20% of our electricity needs, and representing 40% of emissions free power in New York State. The benefits of these plants-both to the local communities and the state as a whole-are numerous. The Options Paper and the Commission's Order Establishing a Nuclear Reliability Backbone Process represent the beginning of a process through which public feedback and discourse will ensure that any future nuclear generation facilities best serve the needs of New Yorkers."

New York Power Authority President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said, "Advanced nuclear power will provide the reliable, around-the-clock clean energy New York needs to meet rising demand and deliver a resilient grid. The Options Paper strengthens the momentum behind bringing new advanced nuclear generation to Upstate New York. Working alongside our state partners, we are laying the foundation for the long-term, zero-emission power New Yorkers will depend on for generations to come."

The Options Paper contains a broad range of issues that can be considered by the PSC and other state entities. It is available for download on NYSERDA's Advanced Nuclear website and the DPS Document and Matter Management (DMM) website. Interested parties may submit comments through DMM by August 10, 2026 on the issues raised in the Options Paper and other issues and questions included in the PSC Order Establishing a Nuclear Reliability Backbone Process. Upon visiting the web link, enter Case Number 26-E-0335 in the input box labeled "Search for Case/Matter Number". Submitted comments will be considered by DPS, NYSERDA, and other state entities, as appropriate, in addition to the PSC for action to enable commercial project viability of advanced nuclear projects.

The Advanced Nuclear Master Plan, also a collaborative effort between NYSERDA and DPS, will assess a range of issues and provide recommendations on a state policy framework for advanced nuclear and builds upon the Blueprint for Consideration of Advanced Nuclear Technologies published by NYSERDA in January 2025. The completed Advanced Nuclear Master Plan will be a comprehensive evaluation of best practices and opportunities related to the development of new advanced nuclear facilities. It includes studies focusing on regulatory and safety issues, siting, waste, environmental justice, supply chain and workforce, research and development, and fusion. These studies will inform the development of the pipeline to advance an additional five gigawatts of new nuclear in New York State. Governor Hochul's 8.4 gigawatt Nuclear Reliability Backbone includes 4 gigawatts of new nuclear energy that will combine with existing nuclear generation and the Governor's directive for the New York Power Authority to develop at least 1 gigawatt of advanced nuclear energy in Upstate New York.

The Options Paper and Advanced Nuclear Master Plan support the implementation of the State Energy Plan, as well as other state planning efforts, which identify nuclear as a component of meeting the State's future energy needs through a diverse energy resource mix. The State Energy Plan prioritizes the advancement of an energy system that is affordable, abundant, reliable, and clean while supporting economic development, equity and a healthy environment. A central pillar of the Plan is to ensure energy reliability while protecting affordability for all New Yorkers. The State Energy Plan and the Coordinated Grid Planning Process both identified nuclear energy to be part of a least cost scenario when combined with transmission to complement other clean and renewable energy resources.

New York State's Climate Agenda

New York State's climate agenda calls for an affordable and just transition to a clean energy economy that creates family-sustaining jobs, promotes economic growth through green investments, and directs a minimum of 40 percent of the benefits to disadvantaged communities. New York is advancing a suite of efforts to achieve an emissions-free economy, including in the energy, buildings, transportation, and waste sectors. The State is also working to disburse the historic $2 billion Sustainable Future Program, which will deliver targeted funding to lower emissions, reduce household energy costs, and spur green job growth.