New York Amplifies Nuclear Power Ambitions
In a significant move towards renewable energy, the New York Power Authority (NYPA) released a formal solicitation on October 30, 2025, seeking interest from upstate New York communities in hosting new nuclear projects. This initiative aims to develop 1 GW of nuclear capacity, either independently or in collaboration with other entities.
NYPA’s request for information (RFI) targets actionable project concepts and business models for advanced nuclear projects. The solicitation emphasizes evaluating technologies and business models, aiming to bring this capacity online with public and private partnerships. NYPA’s president and CEO, Justin Driscoll, said, “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.”
New York currently relies on three nuclear power plants in the north, which contribute 3.4 GW of capacity, providing 20% of the state’s electricity and 42% of its carbon-free power. As existing infrastructure and grid connections are already established, the state is considering expanding near these facilities.
The RFI outlines the initiative’s goal to deliver firm, zero-emission power, complementing renewable energy, enhancing grid reliability, and advancing clean energy goals. The NYPA has set a timetable for new reactors, requiring detailed responses from developers with viable concepts by 2040. The agency is also developing an Advanced Nuclear Master Plan to explore key issues for implementing advanced nuclear technology in the state.
Acceptable technologies include Gen III+ and Gen IV designs, excluding first-of-a-kind projects. The emphasis is on proven technologies, with the requirement that projects reach First Nuclear Concrete by early 2030.
NYPA is also seeking community support for new reactors, considering past closures of nuclear plants due to political opposition. By focusing on areas comfortable with nuclear facilities, NYPA hopes to add 1 GW of capacity. Community engagement and compatibility with existing infrastructure, skilled labor, and land availability are crucial criteria.
With electricity demand rising due to sectors like data centers and high-tech manufacturing, nuclear production tax credits provide additional incentives for new projects. Companies vying for NYPA contracts are likely engaging with communities, particularly in the Oswego region, to gather support and promote their proposals.
NYPA’s initiative also supports Constellation’s early site permitting process at the Nine Mile Point Clean Energy Center, fostering regional collaboration and strengthening nuclear supply chains.
Ohio Introduces $100M Nuclear Energy Initiative
Ohio is making strides in the nuclear energy sector with Governor Mike DeWine and JobsOhio announcing a $100 million JobsOhio Energy Opportunity Initiative. This fund aims to support nuclear and natural gas power production through grants and loans over five years.
The initiative focuses on site preparation for small modular reactors (SMR), workforce training, incentives for supply-chain companies, and infrastructure costs. JobsOhio will collaborate with regional partners to identify suitable projects.
Governor DeWine emphasized the importance of a robust energy policy for Ohio’s growth and job creation. Given Ohio’s abundant natural gas resources, investments in the state’s shale-energy sector have surpassed $111 billion since 2011. DeWine noted that states without such resources are exploring nuclear technologies, including SMRs, to meet rising energy demands.
Additionally, Ohio officials highlighted Centrus Energy’s expansion of its uranium enrichment plant in Piketon, projected to create significant employment opportunities and boost low-enriched uranium production.
NANO Nuclear Acquires Global First Power
NANO Nuclear has acquired Global First Power Limited (GFPL) from Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation, advancing its efforts to construct a KRONOS MMR Energy System in Ontario, Canada. This acquisition includes regulatory licensing applications necessary for the project.
NANO Nuclear assumed a $640,000 liability to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission as part of the acquisition. The company plans to submit a License to Prepare Site (LTPS) as part of its regulatory process.
The move strengthens NANO Nuclear’s North American presence, building on previous acquisitions from USNC. The firm aims to commercialize micro modular reactors across the U.S. and Canada, leveraging GFPL’s pre-licensing progress in Canada.
Jay Yu, NANO Nuclear’s Founder and Chairman, stated, “This move unifies our North American development strategy and allows us to rapidly advance both licensing and construction, making us one of the very few companies positioned to deploy advanced microreactors in both the U.S. and Canada.”
Blue Energy’s Dual Approach for Data Center Power
Blue Energy and Crusoe have partnered to develop a nuclear-powered data center campus at the Port of Victoria, Texas. Initially, the center will use natural gas systems, transitioning to small reactors by 2031.
Blue Energy’s strategy addresses the immediate electricity demand from data centers while planning for a nuclear future. CEO Jake Jurewicz highlighted the role of gas as a “bridge” to expedite nuclear project completion. The company’s modular nuclear plant design aims to reduce costs and construction time, making nuclear power competitive with fossil fuels and renewables.
IAEA Reports $10 Billion Fusion Investment
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reports that fusion energy investments have surpassed $10 billion globally, with nearly 40 countries engaged in fusion projects. The IAEA’s World Fusion Outlook 2025 highlights the transition of fusion energy from experimental research to a cornerstone of national energy strategies.
At the World Fusion Energy Group meeting in Chengdu, IAEA director-general Rafael Grossi emphasized the rapid development of fusion energy, driven by the need for low-carbon, reliable power. China is collaborating with the IAEA and international partners to advance fusion energy innovation.
Despite funding increases, the Fusion Industry Association warns of challenges in investment and commercialization, urging the European Commission to address these issues to accelerate fusion deployment.
NVIDIA and General Atomics Develop Fusion Digital Twin
NVIDIA and General Atomics, supported by UC San Diego, Argonne, and NERSC, have created a high-fidelity digital twin for fusion research. This AI-enabled model allows for virtual exploration of fusion reactor scenarios, significantly accelerating research.
General Atomics’ fusion data science lead, Raffi Nazikian, noted, “The ability to explore scenarios virtually through this interactive digital twin is a game-changer.” The project uses NVIDIA technology to predict plasma behavior, reducing simulation times from weeks to seconds.
The digital twin aids in refining reactor designs and optimizing experiments, positioning fusion energy closer to commercial viability.
Original Story at neutronbytes.com