Governor Kathy Hochul of New York has made waves by directing the New York Power Authority to develop a new nuclear power plant with a minimum capacity of one gigawatt. Her goal is to ensure a reliable and affordable electric grid while generating zero-emission electricity to support a clean energy economy. This move comes as a surprise, considering New York shut down the Indian Point nuclear facility just five years prior.
Across the nation, we see a similar pattern in blue states as they attempt to move away from fossil fuels. California, for instance, has postponed closing its only nuclear power plant, and Michigan is considering restarting an inactive plant. The reality hitting these states is that wind and solar power, alongside costly grid-scale batteries, can’t meet the increasing power demands—especially with the rise of AI technology.
Despite their ambitions for a fossil fuel-free grid, these states recognize nuclear power as a necessary component. Before closing the Indian Point facility, New York had committed to cutting emissions by 85% from 1990 levels. The plan emphasized wind, solar, and battery power but notably omitted nuclear energy until recent considerations.
The 2023 scoping plan acknowledges the potential of nuclear power, describing it as a complex but significant zero-emission energy source. With the shuttering of 20 gigawatts of natural gas plants, New York needs dispatchable emissions-free resources, known as DEFR, though their specifics remain undefined. The closure of Indian Point resulted in a 17.7 terawatt-hour drop in nuclear output, pushing the state to rely more on fossil fuels.
When the Indian Point plant shut down, some celebrated the shift to clean energy, but nuclear may play a crucial role in that future. Hochul seems to be challenging anti-nuclear sentiments, although timelines for achieving zero emissions with nuclear are daunting. Francis Menton, a free-market advocate, notes that a one-gigawatt plant is far from sufficient to replace planned natural gas shutdowns.
Hochul’s announcement lacks a clear timeline, and the feasibility study’s duration remains uncertain. The lengthy process, including financial viability and site selection, will precede any permitting. Looking at Georgia’s Vogtle Plant, where the permitting began in 2006 and construction in 2013, New York could face a similar timeline.
Opponents of nuclear energy in New York are unlikely to change their stance, potentially delaying new projects with litigation. If timelines resemble Vogtle’s, New York might see a new nuclear plant by 2050 at the earliest. Meanwhile, California faced electricity shortages in 2020 due to high air conditioning use, leading to rolling blackouts.
California’s Diablo Canyon Power Plant was supposed to shut this year, but Governor Gavin Newsom struck a deal to keep it operational. The increased demand from AI computing underscores the need for its continued operation. Instead of defending nuclear power, Newsom attributed the strain to climate change, emphasizing California’s commitment to bold energy goals.
With Diablo Canyon’s extension, California buys time to address its energy challenges. Michigan also plays a part in this nuclear conversation, as Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s 2020 executive order commits Michigan to a carbon-neutral future. In 2023, she signed laws aiming for 100% clean electricity by 2040, with nuclear included in the mix.
Darnell Thompkins is a conservative opinion writer from Atlanta, GA, known for his insightful commentary on politics, culture, and community issues. With a passion for championing traditional values and personal responsibility, Darnell brings a thoughtful Southern perspective to the national conversation. His writing aims to inspire meaningful dialogue and advocate for policies that strengthen families and empower individuals.