In a move signaling closer cross-border cooperation on clean energy, Ontario Premier Doug Ford and New York Governor Kathy Hochul have formally signed a collaborative agreement focused on nuclear power. The signing ceremony took place in Buffalo, New York, on Friday, December 19, 2025.
A Strategic Partnership for Clean Energy
The deal, inked at a joint news conference, establishes a framework for the neighboring jurisdictions to work together on nuclear energy development and technology. This partnership underscores a shared commitment to reliable, low-carbon electricity generation as both regions work to meet ambitious climate goals and ensure grid stability.
The agreement represents a significant political alignment between the Progressive Conservative premier and the Democratic governor on the role of nuclear power in a future clean energy mix. While specific financial commitments or project details were not immediately disclosed in the initial announcement, the pact is expected to facilitate information sharing, joint research initiatives, and potentially align regulatory approaches.
Context and Implications for the Energy Sector
This bilateral agreement comes at a time of heightened focus on energy security and decarbonization across North America. Ontario, home to a large nuclear fleet that provides a majority of its baseload power, has extensive expertise in reactor operation and nuclear technology. New York, which also relies on nuclear for a substantial portion of its carbon-free electricity, has moved to support existing plants and is exploring next-generation nuclear technology.
The collaboration could pave the way for advancements in small modular reactors (SMRs), which both governments have identified as a promising technology. By pooling resources and knowledge, Ontario and New York aim to accelerate innovation, reduce costs, and strengthen the supply chain for nuclear components. The deal also highlights a pragmatic approach to energy policy, recognizing nuclear's role alongside renewables like wind and solar.
Broader Political and Economic Signals
The signing in Buffalo places economic development in the Great Lakes region at the forefront. Enhanced energy cooperation can attract investment in high-tech manufacturing and create skilled jobs on both sides of the border. Furthermore, the partnership may serve as a model for other provinces and states looking to form similar alliances on critical infrastructure and clean technology.
Premier Doug Ford has consistently championed nuclear energy as a cornerstone of Ontario's economic and environmental plans. Governor Hochul's participation signals a continued, bipartisan recognition in the United States of nuclear power's importance for meeting climate targets. This cross-border accord demonstrates that energy policy and climate action are increasingly becoming areas of collaboration rather than competition between Canada and the United States.
The full technical and operational details of the partnership are expected to be developed by working groups in the coming months. This deal marks a concrete step toward a more integrated and resilient North American clean energy landscape.
