The town of Oswego, New York, has expressed its interest in hosting a new nuclear power plant, despite already having three operational plants within a 10-mile radius. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul recently announced a commitment to add a gigawatt of nuclear power to the New York state grid, partially to meet the electricity demands of the booming AI industry. Oswego is vying to be chosen as a site for this new power plant, citing the numerous benefits of nuclear energy, including its ability to provide a significant amount of electricity to support 1.4 million homes, operate 24/7 without generating carbon emissions or traditional air pollution, and create hundreds of jobs.

According to Mayor Ben Artin, "We believe that nuclear energy is a vital component of our state's energy mix, and we're eager to play a role in meeting the growing demand for clean energy. Our existing nuclear plants have been a source of pride for our community, and we're confident that a new plant would bring even more economic benefits and job opportunities to our area." Artin emphasized that Oswego's proximity to the existing plants and its existing infrastructure make it an ideal location for the new facility.

The proposed new plant would be part of a larger effort to increase the state's nuclear capacity, which is expected to be driven by the growing demand for electricity from the AI industry. According to a report by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, the state's energy consumption is projected to increase by 10% by 2030, with a significant portion of that growth coming from the AI sector. The report notes that nuclear energy is well-positioned to meet this growing demand, given its reliability and low carbon emissions.

While nuclear energy has its benefits, it also comes with risks, including the potential for accidents and radioactive waste disposal. However, proponents of nuclear energy argue that the risks can be mitigated through proper safety protocols and regulations. "We understand that nuclear energy is not without its challenges, but we believe that the benefits far outweigh the risks," said Artin. "We're committed to working with state and federal regulators to ensure that any new plant is built and operated with the highest safety standards."

The next step in the process would be for the state to select a site for the new plant, which is expected to be announced in the coming months. Once a site is chosen, a formal proposal would be submitted to the state and federal regulatory agencies for review and approval. If approved, the project would likely take several years to complete, with construction beginning in the late 2020s and the plant coming online in the 2030s.

In the meantime, officials in Oswego are working to build support for the project among local residents and businesses. "We're excited about the potential for this new plant to bring jobs and economic growth to our community," said Artin. "We're committed to being transparent and engaging with the public throughout the process to ensure that everyone has a voice in this decision."