Ontario and New York have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to advance nuclear energy technologies. The agreement aims to meet growing electricity demand and bolster reliability and decarbonization efforts in both regions.

Key Agreement Details

The MOU establishes a collaboration between the New York Power Authority (NYPA) and Ontario Power Generation (OPG). The partnership will focus on advancing nuclear energy technologies, including small modular reactors (SMRs) and large-scale nuclear facilities, according to a provincial release.

Premier Doug Ford announced the agreement with New York Governor Kathy Hochul at a news conference in Buffalo on Friday. Ford stated Ontario has enough nuclear electricity to power 16 million homes, with more capacity coming online.

“Ontario is building the first small modular reactors in the G7 and we’re leading the way at [the] Darlington site,” he said. “We invite you to share the technology.”

Collaboration and Innovation

Under the MOU, NYPA and OPG will share expertise and resources. This includes technological innovation, financing and developing facilities, and workforce training for nuclear infrastructure.

New York and Ontario will also explore trade opportunities for electricity. The goal is to improve power reliability and reduce emissions.

Nuclear Energy Benefits

Ford emphasized the benefits of nuclear energy for both Ontario and New York.

“It’s safe, number one, it’s clean, it’s green, it’s reliable, and it’s cost-affordable for especially the ratepayers here [in New York] and over in Ontario,” he said.

Ontario’s Nuclear Investments

Ontario has been investing heavily in nuclear technology. This includes refurbishing existing facilities and developing new ones.

• The province and the Canadian federal government committed $3 billion to build Canada’s first SMRs next to the Darlington power plant.
• Construction began this year.
• The reactors are scheduled to start coming online in 2030.

Upon completion, the four SMRs will produce 1,200 megawatts of electricity, enough to power 1.2 million homes, according to reports.

Trade Concerns

The agreement comes amid ongoing trade concerns between Canada and the United States. Hochul and Ford expressed concern over these issues at Friday’s conference.

Alongside the MOU, the leaders signed a declaration of intent. This pledges continued co-operation between Ontario and New York.

“As these threats out of Washington come, we’re going to stand firm and let people know who our friends are,” Hochul said.

“Our partnership between New York and Ontario is rock solid, and as long as I’m governor, it’s going to stay that way.”

Why This Matters

The Ontario-New York nuclear energy agreement signifies a commitment to clean energy and energy security. By collaborating on nuclear technologies, both jurisdictions aim to reduce emissions, meet growing electricity demands, and strengthen their energy infrastructure. The partnership also sends a strong signal of regional cooperation amid broader trade uncertainties.