ALBANY, NY (December 19, 2025) — Gov. Kathy Hochul and Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced a landmark agreement Tuesday to advance nuclear energy technology between New York and Ontario.
The New York Power Authority and Ontario Power Generation signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on developing advanced nuclear technologies, including large-scale nuclear plants and small modular reactors.
The agreement aims to bolster energy reliability, affordability and decarbonization efforts while fostering workforce development and economic growth in both regions.
Hochul and Ford also signed a separate Declaration of Intent pledging continued cooperation between New York and Ontario. The declaration highlights shared history, geography and values, as well as the role of cross-border business in job creation, innovation and prosperity.
The declaration comes at a time when U.S. federal tariffs on Canada have affected businesses, tourism and border crossings on both sides.
“New York and Ontario have a proud tradition of trade, cooperation and a bond that cannot be broken,” Hochul said. “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.”
Ford said, “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. 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 MOU, the two power authorities will share expertise in areas including site and technology selection, project development, operations, waste management, licensing, permitting, financing and supply chain opportunities.
The agreement also calls for workforce initiatives with labor unions to address skill gaps and training programs, as well as exploration of enhanced electricity trade to improve reliability and reduce emissions.
New York Power Authority President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said the partnership will enable faster development of advanced nuclear technology and create high-quality jobs for New Yorkers.
Ontario Power Generation President and CEO Nicolle Butcher said the collaboration will build on the organizations’ long-standing relationship as Ontario advances its own small modular reactor and potential new large-scale generation projects.
Starting next year, leaders from both organizations will form a working group to implement the MOU.
The New York Power Authority and Ontario Power Generation have partnered on hydropower since the 1950s, including joint development of the St. Lawrence Power Project and coordinated operations on the Niagara River.
This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.