Ontario, New York sign Nuclear development agreement

Key Takeaways:

• Ontario and New York have formalized a collaboration to develop large-scale nuclear reactors and small modular reactors (SMRs), leveraging Ontario’s advanced nuclear expertise to help New York meet rising electricity demand and strengthen energy security.
• New York plans to add at least 1,000 MW of new nuclear power to replace fossil fuels and support electrification, while Ontario’s SMR program—already under construction—promises thousands of jobs, major GDP gains, and long-term clean power on both sides of the border.
• The agreement includes sharing technical expertise, joint projects between OPG and NYPA, workforce development, public education, and exploring expanded electricity trade through existing interties that already move significant power between Ontario and New York.

The Whole Story:

Ontario Premier Doug Ford and New York Governor Kathy Hochul have signed an agreement to collaborate on developing affordable, reliable and clean nuclear power, with Ontario Power Generation (OPG) and the New York Power Authority (NYPA) signing a Memorandum of Understanding to advance large-scale reactors and small modular reactors (SMRs).

The partnership leverages Ontario’s nuclear expertise—including the first grid-scale SMR under construction in the G7 and three operating nuclear generating stations—to help New York meet growing electricity demand and strengthen energy security across 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,” Premier Ford said in a statement. “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.”

Under the agreement, Ontario and New York will share expertise in advanced nuclear technology development and deployment, educate the public on economic and environmental benefits, explore electricity trade expansion, and collaborate on workforce development and joint OPG-NYPA projects.

New York State has committed to developing at least 1,000 MW of new nuclear generation in upstate New York to replace aging fossil-fuelled assets and support industrial growth, building electrification and electric vehicles. Two-way trade between Ontario and New York State is valued at $39 billion.

“This first-of-its-kind agreement represents a bold step forward in our relationship and New York’s pursuit of a clean energy future,” Governor Hochul said. “By partnering with Ontario Power Generation and its extensive nuclear experience, New York is positioning itself at the forefront of advanced nuclear technology deployment.”

Ontario’s electricity system operates seven interties with New York, representing a combined transfer capacity of about 2,500 MW. Between 2021 and 2023, Ontario exported more than 40 terawatt hours to U.S. states including New York, representing about nine per cent of Ontario’s total annual generation in those years.

In May 2025, Ontario approved OPG’s plan to begin construction on the first of four SMRs at the Darlington nuclear site, which will add 300 MW of clean electricity—enough to power 300,000 homes. Construction of the four SMRs is expected to create up to 18,000 Canadian jobs and add more than $38 billion to Canada’s GDP, with operations and maintenance sustaining 3,700 highly skilled jobs over 65 years.

“The world is turning to Ontario as we lead the largest nuclear expansion on the continent,” Ontario Minister of Energy and Mines Stephen Lecce said. “This agreement paves the way for the deployment of our small modular reactors and large-scale nuclear builds into New York, creating new jobs, clean power and energy security for Canadians.”