BUFFALO, N.Y. — Ontario and New York have taken a significant step toward deepening cross-border energy cooperation, signing a new agreement aimed at accelerating the development of nuclear power while supporting economic growth and long-term energy security in both jurisdictions. The agreement, signed Thursday by Ontario Premier Doug Ford and New York Governor Kathy Hochul, formalizes collaboration on advanced nuclear technologies, including large-scale reactors and small modular reactors (SMRs).
At the centre of the deal is a memorandum of understanding between Ontario Power Generation (OPG) and the New York Power Authority (NYPA), which will allow the two public utilities to share expertise and coordinate on future nuclear projects. The partnership is intended to help meet rising electricity demand driven by population growth, electrification and industrial expansion, while maintaining reliable and emissions-free power supplies.
“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.”
Ontario brings substantial nuclear experience to the table. The province is home to three nuclear generating stations and currently has the first grid-scale SMR under construction in the G7. It has also established a reputation for completing major nuclear refurbishments on time and on budget. Under the agreement, Ontario will work closely with New York State on site selection, technology assessment, project development, operations and supply chain development for new nuclear builds.
Governor Hochul described the agreement as a milestone in the long-standing economic and energy relationship between the two neighbours. “New York and Ontario have a proud tradition of trade, cooperation and a bond that cannot be broken,” she said. “This first-of-its-kind agreement represents a bold step forward in our relationship and New York’s pursuit of a clean energy future. 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.”
New York State has already committed to developing at least 1,000 megawatts of new nuclear generation in upstate New York, as it looks to replace aging fossil-fuel assets and meet growing demand from electric vehicles, building electrification and industrial development. Officials say the expanded cooperation with Ontario could strengthen North American supply chains, enhance grid reliability and create new economic opportunities on both sides of the border. Two-way trade between Ontario and New York State is currently valued at $39 billion.
The agreement outlines several areas of collaboration, including sharing technical expertise on advanced nuclear technologies, educating the public about the economic and environmental benefits of nuclear energy, exploring opportunities to expand electricity trade, and strengthening the nuclear workforce through joint initiatives and potential OPG-NYPA projects.
Ontario officials emphasized that nuclear energy is a cornerstone of the province’s long-term energy strategy. Advancing SMRs and other nuclear innovations is central to Energy for Generations, the government’s integrated plan to ensure affordable and reliable electricity to support housing construction, industrial investment and sustained economic growth. The plan also aims to provide certainty for Indigenous communities, municipalities and private-sector partners considering long-term investments in the province.
Industry leaders and sector organizations welcomed the agreement, pointing to Ontario’s growing international profile in nuclear technology. “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,” said Stephen Lecce, Ontario Minister of Energy and Mines. “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.”
OPG President and CEO Nicolle Butcher said the partnership builds on an established relationship with NYPA, while representatives from the Ontario Energy Association, the Canadian Nuclear Association, the Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries and the Ontario Chamber of Commerce said the deal reinforces Ontario’s position as a global nuclear leader and supports job creation, innovation and long-term competitiveness across North America.
