Ontario and New York Sign Nuclear Energy Agreement to Boost Jobs and Energy Security
Ontario–New York nuclear energy agreement aims to expand SMRs, strengthen cross-border power trade and create clean-energy jobs
BUFFALO, NEW YORK — Ontario and New York have formalized a new cross-border partnership aimed at accelerating the development of advanced nuclear energy while strengthening economic growth and long-term energy security on both sides of the border.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford and New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed the agreement on Friday, committing both jurisdictions to closer collaboration on clean, reliable nuclear power. As part of the initiative, Ontario Power Generation (OPG) and the New York Power Authority (NYPA) also signed a memorandum of understanding to advance the deployment of nuclear technologies, including large-scale reactors and small modular reactors (SMRs).
Premier Ford said the agreement reflects Ontario’s growing role as a global leader in nuclear innovation.
“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,” Ford said. “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.”
Leveraging Ontario’s Nuclear Expertise
Ontario is home to three nuclear generating stations and is currently constructing the first grid-scale SMR in the G7. Provincial officials say this experience positions Ontario to support New York’s push to expand nuclear generation as electricity demand rises due to industrial growth, electrification and electric vehicles.
It was a pleasure to join my friend Governor @KathyHochul in Buffalo today to strengthen the friendship between New York and Ontario.
The agreement we signed will leverage Ontario’s nuclear expertise to create jobs and secure clean, reliable, affordable energy on both sides of… pic.twitter.com/EP9MVDXUWs
— Doug Ford (@fordnation) December 19, 2025
Under the agreement, Ontario and New York will share expertise in nuclear site selection, project development, operations, workforce training and supply chain development. The partnership will also explore opportunities to expand electricity trade between the two jurisdictions and improve public understanding of nuclear energy’s economic and environmental benefits.
Governor Hochul described the agreement as a significant step in New York’s clean energy strategy.
“This first-of-its-kind agreement represents a bold step forward in our relationship and New York’s pursuit of a clean energy future,” Hochul said. “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.”
Jobs, Trade and Long-Term Growth
Ontario and New York already share a deeply interconnected energy relationship, with seven electricity interties supporting two-way power trade. Between 2021 and 2023, Ontario exported more than 40 terawatt hours of electricity to U.S. states, including New York.
New York has committed to developing at least 1,000 megawatts of new nuclear generation in upstate New York, while Ontario continues to advance its SMR program at the Darlington nuclear site. The construction of four SMRs in Ontario is expected to create up to 18,000 jobs and add more than $38 billion to Canada’s GDP over the lifespan of the projects.
Ontario Minister of Energy and Mines Stephen Lecce said the agreement opens the door to exporting Ontario’s nuclear expertise while supporting domestic employment.
“The world is turning to Ontario as we lead the largest nuclear expansion on the continent — including the G7’s first small modular reactor — on time and on budget,” Lecce said. “This agreement paves the way for the deployment of our small modular reactors and large-scale nuclear builds into New York, creating new jobs, clean power and energy security for Canadians.”
Industry and Utility Support
OPG President and CEO Nicolle Butcher said the agreement builds on a long-standing relationship between OPG and NYPA.
“OPG and NYPA will share expertise and collaborate in ways that benefit both of our jurisdictions as we advance the development of nuclear technologies,” she said.
Industry organizations, including the Ontario Energy Association, the Canadian Nuclear Association, and the Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries, welcomed the agreement, citing opportunities for job creation, supply chain growth and long-term clean energy development.
The partnership aligns with Ontario’s Energy for Generations integrated energy plan, which prioritizes reliable, affordable electricity to support housing construction, industrial development and economic competitiveness.
Source: Premier’s Office of Ontario; Ministry of Energy and Mines; Ontario Power Generation
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