US states take steps towards nuclear new build

Earlier this year, New York Governor Kathy Hochul directed the New York Power Authority (NYPA) - the state's public electric utility - to look to develop at least one gigawatt of new nuclear capacity in upstate New York. The NYPA "immediately commenced pre-feasibility efforts" following Hochul's announcement in June, beginning discussions with a range of stakeholders.

The NYPA has now issued two solicitations: a Request for Information (RFI) for Upstate New York communities interested in hosting an advanced nuclear project developed by the Power Authority, and an RFI seeking information from potential development partners with experience developing, constructing, operating or servicing nuclear power projects.

"At the Power Authority, we recognise that 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," NYPA President and CEO Justin Driscoll said, adding that the RFIs will enable the authority to gather input from developers and communities across Upstate New York to shape its approach to site selection and partnerships that will provide the greatest value for the state. "Together, we can achieve an abundant power supply that supports New York's economy, fosters job creation, and furthers the clean energy transition," he added.

Issuing an RFI formalises the process to receive information from interested communities and learn more about potential sites that meet the requirements for hosting a nuclear power facility and will align the NYPA's nuclear energy initiative with stakeholder feedback and local economic and social objectives, it said.

Communities responding to the first RFI should identify at least one site in Upstate New York with "strong potential for a nuclear new build as it relates to size, water access and protection from external hazards" and should demonstrate support from community members and key stakeholders.

The second RFI for nuclear project developers and partners sees the NYPA seek information on "viable project concepts", including technology recommendations, siting considerations, cost and timeline assumptions, ownership structure and partnership models. The responses should demonstrate a credible path to delivering at least 1 GW of advanced nuclear capacity as soon as possible, with construction start by 2033, NYPA said.

Both RFIs have a deadline for submissions of 11 December.

Illinois action

Legislation passed by the Illinois General Assembly on 30 October will, amongst other things, lift a 30-year moratorium on the construction of new large-scale nuclear reactors in the state from 1 January 2026.

More than half of Illinois' electricity is currently produced by nuclear reactors, despite a moratorium on the construction of new nuclear capacity in place since 1987. Legislation allowing the construction of small modular reactors of up to 300 MWe capacity from 2026 was passed in late 2023.

The latest piece of legislation - Senate Bill 25 - was passed by the Illinois Senate by 37 votes to 22, and the state House by 70 votes to 37, and now goes to Governor JB Pritzker for signature into law.

Pritzker said he is looking forward to signing into law the bill which also includes measures such as provisions for increased battery storage, expanded energy efficiency programmes, and new planning tools to better manage energy demand and supply to help improve grid reliability and reduce costs to consumers while promoting clean energy.

"Illinois is leading an ambitious clean energy effort that will make our electrical grid more resilient, power our economy, and make energy more affordable for everyone. I am grateful for working with the Illinois General Assembly and I look forward to signing this bill into law and help Illinoisans keep costs lower and keep the lights on," he said.