New York (Rajeev Sharma): New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced a cross-border collaboration aimed at developing nuclear energy technology during a joint event at the Buffalo AKG Art Museum. The initiative focuses on advancing small modular reactors (SMRs) and other nuclear innovations.
Ontario Power Generation is currently working on SMRs at its Darlington facility, located roughly two hours north of Buffalo. Premier Ford highlighted the growing energy demand in Ontario, projecting an increase of up to 90% over the next 25 years. “We are expanding our nuclear capabilities, both with small modular reactors and large-scale nuclear, to meet future energy needs,” Ford said.
The partnership also builds on Ontario Power Generation’s existing collaboration with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), which received a $400 million federal grant under the Trump Administration to support nuclear research. Ford emphasized that Ontario’s nuclear output, capable of generating 16,000 megawatts—enough to power 16 million homes—will prioritize supply to neighboring U.S. states such as New York, Michigan, and Minnesota.
The announcement marks a notable shift from earlier tensions between Ford and the Trump Administration over electricity tariffs. In March, Ford had imposed a 25% surcharge on electricity exports to several U.S. states in response to U.S. trade policies, though the surcharge was later withdrawn following discussions at the White House.
Governor Hochul and Premier Ford stressed that the current focus is on cooperation and technological advancement, leaving questions about potential future tariffs unanswered. The initiative underscores a renewed spirit of collaboration between New York and Ontario in meeting energy demands while fostering innovation in the nuclear sector.
