New York Power Authority launches RFIs for development of 1 GW of new advanced nuclear capacity
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On October 30, 2025, the New York Power Authority (NYPA) issued two Requests for Information (RFIs) as part of a new initiative to develop 1 gigawatt (GW) of new, advanced nuclear generation in New York State. The RFIs seek input from (i) Upstate New York communities willing to host a nuclear project, and (ii) private developers with experience in nuclear project development, construction, or operation.
Context
NYPA is the nation's largest state-owned electric utility, operating 17 generating facilities and more than 1,550 miles of transmission infrastructure. More than 80% of NYPA's generation is renewable hydropower, drawn primarily from two major facilities along the Canadian border and smaller run-of-river facilities across the State. NYPA finances its operations through revenues and bond issuances. It does not rely on annual state tax appropriations, which provides NYPA greater flexibility in developing and owning generation and transmission assets. The State's 2023 Build Public Renewables Act recently expanded NYPA's authority to own, develop, and operate new zero-emission generation resources.
In June 2025, in response to concerns about future load demand in New York State, Governor Kathy Hochul directed NYPA to plan and pursue the development of at least 1 GW of advanced nuclear capacity in upstate New York.1 Following that directive, NYPA began pre-feasibility work and engagement with stakeholders, before issuing the RFIs.
The advanced nuclear initiative is intended to support the deployment of zero-emission power generation that enhances system reliability, maintains affordability, and reduces reliance on out-of-state power supply. The current RFIs are exploratory and will inform site selection, partnership structures, technology evaluation, and development pathways. The RFIs are not procurement actions and do not commit NYPA to awarding contracts. Rather, responses will help shape future competitive solicitations. In a complementary effort, New York is also pursuing an "Advanced Nuclear Master Plan," which will provide a framework for future development and deployment of advanced nuclear technologies in New York State.
RFIs
Developer/ Partners to support NYPA's Advanced Nuclear Power Project (Q25-7713KK)
This RFI seeks to identify nuclear developers and project partners capable of advancing actionable project concepts and business models supporting development of 1GW of advanced nuclear capacity in Upstate New York.2 The RFI invites proposals addressing technology selection, siting strategy, development timeline, cost and scheduling assumptions, ownership and financing structures, and risk-sharing approaches, with the objective of achieving commercial operation as early as possible and no later than 2040.
The RFI is directed at entities with experience developing, constructing, operating, or servicing nuclear facilities or other large energy or infrastructure projects. Respondents should be able to (i) demonstrate prior nuclear or large-scale infrastructure development experience, (ii) propose concepts capable of delivering at least 1 GW of advanced nuclear capacity, with construction beginning before 2033, (iii) identify a non-first-of-a-kind technology (i.e., the first unit of the proposed design must be commercially ready by early 2030 in North America), and (iv) describe potential ownership, financing, and risk-allocation structures, including NYPA's role (e.g., co-developer, owner, operator, offtaker, or convenor). Responses should be no more than 10 pages, plus supporting documents.
Community to host NYPA's Advanced Nuclear Power Project (Q25-7715JC)
The purpose of this second RFI is to help NYPA identify viable potential sites in Upstate New York to host and partner in the development of at least 1GW of advanced nuclear generation capacity. Responses are informational and non-binding, and the RFI is not a procurement and will not pre-qualify respondents for future solicitations.
The RFI is directed to regions, counties, municipalities, economic development organizations, or community-based entities that can (i) identify at least one site with a clear path to potential use for a new nuclear build, (ii) show that the site is physically viable to host a nuclear project as it relates to size, water access and protection from external hazards, and (iii) demonstrate local support and alignment with community development goals. The RFI includes questions to guide respondents' submissions, asking respondents to describe how a nuclear project furthers local objectives, identify workforce, supply chain, infrastructure and transmission capabilities, and note any site-specific constraints. Responses should be no more than 10 pages, plus supporting documents.
Submission Timing
Responses to both RFIs are due by 4PM EST on December 11, 2025. Additional details and full RFI materials are available at https://nypa.gov/Procurement.
Conclusion
These RFIs represent early-stage information gathering rather than a commitment to move forward with a particular site, developer, or technology. However, they are a meaningful precursor to NYPA's issuance of competitive solicitations. Communities and developers that respond to the RFIs have an opportunity to help shape NYPA's approach to technology evaluation, siting priorities, partnership structures, risk allocation, and regulatory strategy.
1 The RFIs define "advanced nuclear" as "nth-of-a-kind (NOAK) large-scale and small modular reactors (SMRs) employing Generation III+ or Generation IV technologies." First-of-a-kind (FOAK) and micro modular reactors (MMRs) are currently outside the scope of NYPA's efforts, but that does not necessarily mean that New York would not welcome such projects if they were to be proposed.
2 Upstate New York is defined as all counties in New York State excluding New York City, Long Island, and Ulster, Dutchess, Putnam, Orange, Rockland, Westchester, Greene, Columbia, Albany and Rensselaer counties.
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This article is prepared for the general information of interested persons. It is not, and does not attempt to be, comprehensive in nature. Due to the general nature of its content, it should not be regarded as legal advice.
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