Constellation Energy’s Nine Mile Point Nuclear Plant in Oswego, N.Y. is being considered as a potential deployment site for an advanced nuclear reactor, a New York television station WSTM reported July 25.
Last month New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D), announced plans to deploy an advanced nuclear plant that can produce at least 1,000 megawatts. She told the New York Power Authority to work to evaluate advanced technologies, business models and locations for the new nuclear plant.
New York state senators have recently voiced support for a site in Oswego County. State senator Chris Ryan (D) told WSTM that he was looking forward to working with state assembly’s Republican minority leader Will Barclay to lobby for Oswego.
“If we’re going to have one [a new nuclear build] it’s clean energy, [then] let’s have one in Oswego,” Ryan said. Barclay also agreed, saying that Oswego was “well-suited” for another nuclear reactor.
Oswego County has over 20 power plants locally and produces nearly 5,500 megawatts from the county alone. Oswego is also already home to two nuclear plants: Nine Mile Point and James Fitzpatrick Clean Energy Center.
Nine Mile Point, operated by Constellation, is a two boiling water units that produce around 1,900 megawatts of generation. James Fitzpatrick Clean Energy Center, which is also run by Constellation, is a single boiling water reactor that produces nearly 850 megawatts.
The county has previously been receptive to nuclear energy expansion. Oswego County Legislature Chairman James Weatherup said the county has the experience, infrastructure and workforce to take on another nuclear reactor at Nine Mile Point.
“Oswego County currently hosts three nuclear reactors, and the existing nuclear sites are excellent locations for advanced nuclear development with abundant land for expansion that already meets strict federal criteria for nuclear power development,” Weatherup said in a June 23 press release. “Oswego County is already an experienced nuclear host community that is overwhelmingly supportive of nuclear power.”
