New York opens RFQ, RFA windows for nuclear development and workforce
The New York Power Authority is seeking nuclear reactor developers that can commence construction on large-scale reactors and/or small modular reactors before 2033 that can ultimately add at least 1 GW of new capacity to New York’s electrical grid.
The state agency’s request for qualifications on May 29 aims to prequalify a short list of developers that can deliver what state officials covet: new nuclear facilities in upstate New York delivered on a reasonable timeline.
The RFQ window closes on June 26.
The details: According to the RFQ, applicants must pursue one of two technology pathways or a combination of both: deploying large-scale reactors, “such as the AP1000” light water reactor, and/or SMRs, “such as the BWRX-300.” Applicants must demonstrate the pathway’s technology readiness, siting and permitting strategy, schedule and cost assumptions, ownership structure, and partnership models.
The NYPA will consider pathways that deploy nth-of-a-kind Gen III+ or Gen IV reactors; however, they are not seeking any first-of-a-kind reactors or microreactors.
“The selected pathway must demonstrate a credible path to both produce 1+ GW of energy and start construction before 2033 to ensure Inflation Reduction Act investment tax credit eligibility,” the RFQ states.
According to the NYPA, the RFQ is step one of a two-step process for qualifying applicants that could later include a request for proposal.
Workforce development funding: The RFQ isn’t the only request released by the NYPA on May 29. The agency also released a request for applications that kickstarted the release of $40 million over the next four years to grow and develop the nuclear workforce pipeline in the state.
“The RFA seeks proposals that will drive job creation, regional economic development, workforce training, and sustainability through nuclear energy innovation, with a strong emphasis on projects that align with New York’s energy goals and broader economic development strategies, particularly those supporting nuclear-ready communities and underserved or economically distressed regions,” according to the RFA.
The funds are intended for state-based entities and organizations like technical high schools, community colleges, universities, trade associations, unions, manufacturers, community-based organizations, and state or federally recognized Native American nations and tribal organizations, according to Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office.
The deadline for applications is July 31. For those interested in applying to the RFA, the NYPA will host an informational webinar on June 18; more information can be found on the NYPA website.
New York’s nuclear push: The two requests by the NYPA are the latest initiatives by the state in its push to grow nuclear power facilities and add at least 5 GW of new nuclear power statewide, including at least 1 GW in upstate New York. Last June, Hochul instructed the NYPA to add new nuclear capacity by building a large-scale nuclear plant or several SMRs in upstate New York. The state sought solicitations from communities interested in having new nuclear facilities. and multiple communities responded to the request for information earlier this year.
“Nearly a year ago, I called on the Power Authority to lay the groundwork for the next era of emissions-free power in New York as part of my all-of-the-above approach to energy. . . . By taking a proactive approach, we are preparing our state to take advantage of the opportunities associated with advanced nuclear, which will provide ’round-the-clock reliable clean energy while cultivating the partnerships needed to bring the project from concept to concrete,” Hochul said in a statement announcing the RFQ and RFA.
The state’s efforts received notable backing from the Department of Energy this spring when the federal agency awarded Constellation SMR Development LLC $17.3 million to pursue a Nuclear Regulatory Commission early site permit for a future SMR site in New York.
