New York Power Authority to Invest $40 Million in Advanced Nuclear Workforce

The New York Power Authority Board on Dec. 9 approved $40 million in annual workforce development funding over the next four years to expand the talent pipeline needed for advanced nuclear energy in Upstate New York. The initiative supports Governor Kathy Hochul’s directive from June for the authority to plan at least 1-gigawatt of advanced nuclear capacity. Beginning next year, the authority will partner with technical schools, labor groups, community colleges, and universities to create training, retraining, coursework, and apprenticeship programs for nuclear operations and maintenance.

The board also approved $4 million to expand clean energy and technology training programs across universities and nonprofit groups. The Healthy Home Academy in Brewster received $911,000 to strengthen hands-on instruction in home performance and high-efficiency heating and cooling technologies. The State University of New York at Buffalo received $832,000 to launch an artificial intelligence fellowship program with the authority. The Green Launchpad received $734,000 to broaden its clean energy fundamentals program with technical labs and career services.

Genesee Valley BOCES received $677,000 to create a new electro-mechanical trades program and expand its Batavia program. The State University of New York at Stony Brook received $644,000 to establish its Power Pathways Workforce Readiness initiative, offering training in solar, drone inspections, geothermal heat pumps, and high-voltage direct-current systems. The State University of New York at Binghamton received $203,000 to develop coursework in systems dynamics, simulation, and power systems, along with expanded internship opportunities.

The action supports statewide efforts to expand clean energy employment through coordination with the New York State Department of Labor, which recently approved $12 million for electric vehicle workforce programs and trainee support services. The authority emphasized collaboration with regional partners to align training investments with industry needs and increase participation across disadvantaged communities.

New York continues to advance nuclear workforce planning. In September 2025, Governor Hochul convened a roundtable with labor, industry, research institutions, and state agencies to identify training priorities. The new funding is intended to accelerate these initiatives and build a long-term workforce foundation for advanced nuclear development across the state.