Local and Domestic Content in New York’s Advanced Nuclear Blueprint

New York’s Advanced Nuclear Blueprint makes it clear that local and domestic content requirements will shape how businesses, workers, and communities benefit from future nuclear projects. These rules ensure that contracts, jobs, and investments stay in New York and the United States instead of going overseas.

The U.S. nuclear supply chain is weak after decades without new construction. Few companies can provide certified nuclear-grade parts. This gap is a risk, but also an opportunity. Local businesses and MWBEs can win contracts in construction, logistics, IT, and professional services. Developers will need to meet local content requirements to qualify for state and federal incentives.

Most advanced reactors need HALEU fuel, which is currently produced only in Russia. To reduce dependence on foreign supply, the U.S. is funding new domestic enrichment facilities. That means long-term opportunities for U.S. suppliers and workers.

Advanced nuclear projects create a huge demand for labor. A single plant can employ 1,200 to 9,000 workers during construction. Nationally, 275,000 construction and manufacturing jobs and 100,000 long-term operations jobs could be created by 2050. To qualify for clean energy tax credits, projects must meet wage and apprenticeship requirements. That makes workforce training and apprenticeship programs critical.

New York’s Climate Act requires that 35–40% of benefits from clean energy projects go to disadvantaged communities. MWBE contracting will be one of the main ways developers prove compliance. Businesses that are certified as MWBEs will have more opportunities to compete for work on nuclear projects.

Advanced nuclear projects will also be measured by the benefits they bring to local communities. This includes investments in housing, transportation, health, and education. Delivering these benefits helps developers win public trust and ensures compliance with local content requirements.

Community and Tribal Nation engagement is not optional. Developers must show early and transparent communication with local stakeholders to move projects forward. Engagement is tied directly to compliance and access to funding.

For every 100 nuclear jobs, 66 additional local jobs are created. Combined with local and domestic content requirements, this multiplier effect keeps money in New York communities and builds long-term economic growth.

For small businesses and MWBEs: get certified and register in procurement systems. Position your company to serve nuclear projects by providing construction, services, or materials. For jobseekers: enter apprenticeship programs, get skilled trade training, and connect with unions and technical colleges. Meeting wage and training standards is required for projects to qualify for incentives. For communities: join engagement sessions early and ask for clear commitments on jobs, contracts, and local benefit investments.

Advanced nuclear is not just about producing clean energy. It is about meeting local and domestic content requirements that drive supply chain participation, job creation, MWBE growth, and community benefits in New York.

Learn more and get started: nyserda.ny.gov/Advanced-Nuclear-Energy

‍