• New York to build its first major nuclear power plant since 2009.
• The plant will have a capacity of at least 1 gigawatt, enough to power around 1 million homes.
• Efforts aim to create jobs and support the rise of advanced industries.
• The project reflects a national trend in nuclear energy reconsideration amidst growing electricity demands.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced plans to construct a nuclear power facility, marking the state's first significant nuclear construction since 2009. The initiative involves the New York Power Authority (NYPA) to develop a plant capable of generating at least one gigawatt of electricity, sufficient to provide power to approximately one million homes. During the announcement, Hochul emphasized the necessity of increased energy supply to avoid potential blackouts and foster economic growth, remarking, "We must radically increase supply, starting now... or face rolling blackouts and disruptions," according to South China Morning Post and The Hill.

Hochul underscored the role of nuclear energy in supporting the needs of modern industries such as artificial intelligence and semiconductor manufacturing. Specifically, she stated, "The industries of the future... don’t run on dreams, they need to be powered." The project will seek to partner with local communities that are receptive to hosting the facility, given the promise of long-term, well-paying jobs. This aligns with broader economic strategies to replace fossil fuel capacities that New York has closed for environmental reasons, according to Times of India and The Hill.

The renewed focus on nuclear energy comes as the state grapples with rising electricity demands driven by expanding data centers and electrification efforts. Companies like Constellation Energy are already exploring nuclear expansions at existing sites. Hochul has expressed firm commitment to work with federal authorities to expedite the approval process for nuclear facilities, citing the lengthy regulatory hurdles that often deter energy projects. "There's a reason people don't embrace nuclear energy... it takes too long, and the barriers are in Washington," she stated, according to Times of India and South China Morning Post.