Ontario and New York Sign Agreement to Build Nuclear Energy and Grow Economies

On Friday, December 19, 2025, Ontario Premier Doug Ford and New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed an agreement to work together to advance the development of affordable, reliable and clean nuclear power. As part of this agreement, Ontario Power Generation (OPG) and the New York Power Authority (NYPA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will leverage Ontario’s global nuclear leadership to advance the development and deployment of nuclear technologies, including large-scale reactors and small modular reactors (SMRs), to meet the growing electricity demand and protect long-term energy security.

“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,” said Premier Ford. “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.”

As a global nuclear leader, Ontario is home to the first grid-scale SMR under construction in the G7, as well as three nuclear generating stations, with a track record of delivering multiple large-scale refurbishments on time and on budget. Building on this expertise, Ontario will work closely with New York State to share its expertise in selecting nuclear sites and technologies, project development, management and operations and supply chain development for new nuclear builds.

“New York and Ontario have a proud tradition of trade, cooperation and a bond that cannot be broken,” said Governor Hochul. “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.”

Under the agreement, Ontario and New York State will work to:

• Share expertise in the development and deployment of advanced nuclear technology
• Educate the public about the economic and environmental benefits of advanced nuclear technology
• Explore opportunities to expand the trade of electricity between Ontario and New York
• Collaborate on initiatives to strengthen the nuclear workforce and identify opportunities for joint OPG-NYPA projects that create jobs in both jurisdictions.

Ontario and New York State already benefit from a strong cross-border energy relationship, which provides mutual benefits for ratepayers and enhances the reliability of both jurisdictions’ energy grids. New York State has committed to developing at least 1,000 megawatts (MW) of new nuclear generation in upstate New York to meet rising electricity demand from industrial growth, building electrification and electric vehicles while replacing aging fossil-fuelled assets with emissions-free power. This expansion of nuclear cooperation will bring additional opportunities for local economies, strengthen North American supply chains and drive energy innovation on both sides of the border with two-way trade between Ontario and New York State valued at $39 billion.

Advancing nuclear innovation, including SMRs, is central to Energy for Generations, the government’s integrated energy plan to ensure the reliable, affordable power it needs to support new housing, industrial development and long-term economic growth. The government’s coordinated approach and historic investments are giving Indigenous communities, municipalities, businesses and industry partners the certainty needed to invest confidently in Ontario’s future.

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