Ontario and New York Sign Agreement to Build Nuclear Energy and Grow Economies

Press Release

December 19, 2025

New collaboration will leverage Ontario’s expertise to accelerate the development of advanced nuclear technologies and create good-paying jobs on both sides of the border

BUFFALO, NEW YORK — Today, Ontario Premier Doug Ford and New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed an agreement to work together to advance the development of affordable, reliable and clean nuclear power. As part of this agreement, Ontario Power Generation (OPG) and the New York Power Authority (NYPA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will leverage Ontario’s global nuclear leadership to advance the development and deployment of nuclear technologies, including large-scale reactors and small modular reactors (SMRs), to meet the growing electricity demand and protect long-term energy security.

“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,” said Premier Ford. “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.”

As a global nuclear leader, Ontario is home to the first grid-scale SMR under construction in the G7, as well as three nuclear generating stations, with a track record of delivering multiple large-scale refurbishments on time and on budget. Building on this expertise, Ontario will work closely with New York State to share its expertise in selecting nuclear sites and technologies, project development, management and operations and supply chain development for new nuclear builds.

“New York and Ontario have a proud tradition of trade, cooperation and a bond that cannot be broken,” said Governor Hochul. “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.”

Under the agreement, Ontario and New York State will work to:

• Share expertise in the development and deployment of advanced nuclear technology
• Educate the public about the economic and environmental benefits of advanced nuclear technology
• Explore opportunities to expand the trade of electricity between Ontario and New York
• Collaborate on initiatives to strengthen the nuclear workforce and identify opportunities for joint OPG-NYPA projects that create jobs in both jurisdictions.

Ontario and New York State already benefit from a strong cross-border energy relationship, which provides mutual benefits for ratepayers and enhances the reliability of both jurisdictions’ energy grids. New York State has committed to developing at least 1,000 megawatts (MW) of new nuclear generation in upstate New York to meet rising electricity demand from industrial growth, building electrification and electric vehicles while replacing aging fossil-fuelled assets with emissions-free power. This expansion of nuclear cooperation will bring additional opportunities for local economies, strengthen North American supply chains and drive energy innovation on both sides of the border with two-way trade between Ontario and New York State valued at $39 billion.

Advancing nuclear innovation, including SMRs, is central to Energy for Generations, the government’s integrated energy plan to ensure the reliable, affordable power it needs to support new housing, industrial development and long-term economic growth. The government’s coordinated approach and historic investments are giving Indigenous communities, municipalities, businesses and industry partners the certainty needed to invest confidently in Ontario’s future.

Quick Facts

• Under this agreement, Ontario reaffirmed the province’s commitment to fulfilling its duty to consult and engage with Indigenous communities throughout the process to advance economic reconciliation as new nuclear opportunities move forward.
• Ontario’s electricity system is part of a larger, interconnected North American grid — facilitating two-way electricity trade with neighbouring provinces and U.S. states, currently operating seven interties with New York, representing a total combined transfer capacity of about 2,500 MW.
• Between 2021 and 2023, Ontario exported more than 40 terawatt hours (TWh) to U.S. states like Michigan, New York and Minnesota representing about nine per cent of Ontario’s total annual generation in those years.
• In May 2025, the Ontario government concurred with OPG’s plan to begin construction on the first of four SMRs at the Darlington nuclear site, which will add 300 MW of clean electricity, producing enough reliable, affordable and clean electricity to power 300,000 homes.
• The construction of Ontario’s four SMRs will create up to 18,000 Canadian jobs, along with the construction, operation and maintenance adding more than $38 billion to Canada’s GDP and sustaining 3,700 highly skilled good-paying jobs over the next 65 years.

Quotes

“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. From Poland to Estonia, Bulgaria and the U.S., Ontario is exporting our technology, expertise and ingenuity with a focus on creating jobs in Ontario by putting our supply chain to work. 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.”
– Stephen Lecce
Ontario Minister of Energy and Mines

“As we construct the G7’s first grid-scale SMR and continue engagement on the potential for new large-scale generation at our Wesleyville site in Port Hope, we look forward to building on our long-standing relationship with 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.”
– Nicolle Butcher
President and CEO, Ontario Power Generation (OPG)

“The Ontario Energy Association congratulates the Government of Ontario for the announcement of a partnership between Ontario Power Generation and the New York Power Authority. The government’s leadership in the advancement of nuclear technology has positioned our province to be an international leader in the production of clean, reliable nuclear power. This agreement will drive economic opportunities and jobs in Ontario and position Ontario well for future international economic opportunities in nuclear energy.”
– Vince Brescia
President and CEO, Ontario Energy Association

“On behalf of the Canadian Nuclear industry, we congratulate Premier Ford and Ontario Minister of Energy and Mines, Stephen Lecce, as well as Ontario Power Generation and their counterparts, on advancing this important initiative together. This initiative demonstrates how common goals can be achieved by working together and will provide continued opportunities for the Canadian nuclear industry that will create jobs and growth in Ontario and beyond.”
– George Christidis
President and CEO, Canadian Nuclear Association

“This agreement between Ontario and New York is a strong signal of the growing role nuclear energy will play in delivering affordable, reliable and clean electricity across North America. Ontario’s nuclear supply chain has built a global reputation for excellence, and this collaboration creates opportunities to extend that expertise across borders — supporting energy security, strengthening domestic supply chains and driving innovation in both large-scale and small modular reactor technologies. OCNI and its members welcome this partnership and look forward to working with governments and utilities on both sides of the border to help deliver long-term economic and clean energy benefits for our communities.”
– Ivette Vera-Perez
President and CEO, Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries (OCNI)

“With support from the Nuclear Innovation Institute, Ontario has built a collaborative ecosystem with the experience, workforce and supply chains to deliver the clean energy innovation the world needs. Sharing that nuclear leadership across borders builds on the momentum already underway at home, helping advance reliable, clean energy to power New York communities.”
– Jessica Linthorne
President and CEO, Nuclear Innovation Institute

“Reliable, affordable and clean energy is built on collaboration. The Ontario Chamber of Commerce is pleased to see the province’s nuclear leadership reinforced through this cross-border partnership with New York State. Agreements like this not only strengthen our shared economic competitiveness but also drive sustainable growth on both sides of the border.”
– Vincent Caron
Vice President of Policy, Ontario Chamber of Commerce

Additional Resources

• Memorandum of understanding between OPG and NYPA
• Declaration of intent between Ontario and New York
• Energy for Generations: Ontario’s Integrated Plan to Power the Strongest Economy in the G7
• Ontario Leads the G7 by Building First Small Modular Reactor
• Ontario Investing $1 Billion to Build Small Modular Reactors at Darlington

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Media Contacts

Hannah Jensen
Premier’s Office
Hannah.Jensen2@ontario.ca

Chelsea McGee
Minister Lecce’s Office
Chelsea.McGee@ontario.ca

Robert Quartarone
Communications Branch
Ministry of Energy and Mines
Robert.Quartarone@ontario.ca

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