New York revisits nuclear energy as emissions rise

New York is reassessing nuclear power as rising greenhouse gas emissions from natural gas threaten its climate goals, just two years after closing the Indian Point nuclear plant.

Gaea Cabico reports for Inside Climate News.

In short:

• New York State officials are exploring advanced nuclear reactor technologies to provide reliable, low-carbon energy amid concerns that wind, solar and gas may not meet future demand.
• The state’s energy mix relies heavily on natural gas (46.2%), raising emissions and jeopardizing its target of 70% renewable electricity by 2030.
• Critics argue that advanced nuclear technologies remain unproven and expensive, advocating instead for increased investments in renewable energy and storage solutions.

Key quote:

“If you don’t have nuclear … as one of the tools in the tool case, it’s going to be almost impossible to meet the climate objectives.”

— Marcus Nichol, executive director of New Nuclear at the Nuclear Energy Institute

Why this matters:

New York’s struggle to balance clean energy goals with energy demand mirrors national debates on the role of nuclear power in decarbonization. Without reliable alternatives, reliance on fossil fuels may grow, undermining climate progress.