Press Release: 4/1/2026
New England Governors Announce Commitment to Explore Advanced Nuclear Energy
Bipartisan group of Governors directs state energy agencies to explore advanced nuclear energy technologies, maintain region’s existing nuclear resources
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
3/31/2026
MEDIA CONTACT
Jacqueline Manning, Press Secretary
Phone
Call Jacqueline Manning, Press Secretary at (617) 725-4025
Online
Email Jacqueline Manning, Press Secretary at jacqui.manning@mass.gov
BOSTON — Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey joined with a bipartisan group of New England governors to issue a joint statement outlining their regional commitment to exploring advanced nuclear energy technologies and continuing to support the region’s existing nuclear facilities.
Governor Healey joined Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, Maine Governor Janet Mills, New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte, Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee, and Vermont Governor Phil Scott in issuing a joint statement outlining next steps to strengthen the region’s energy reliability, affordability, and long-term supply:
“Adequate electricity supply is critical to growing our economies, preserving public health and safety, powering our homes and businesses, and stabilizing consumer prices as demand for electricity rises across the region. New England has a long tradition of collaborating on regional energy matters. As governors, we are committed to safeguarding our collective energy future through advancement of a diverse energy strategy that includes nuclear power, a pillar of New England’s electric system,” state the New England Governors.
The statement outlines two key next steps. First, the Governors are directing state energy offices to explore opportunities to ensure the continued safe, affordable and reliable operation of our region’s existing nuclear generation facilities.
Second, the Governors directed state energy agencies to take steps to explore deployment of advanced nuclear generation in states and communities that express a willingness to host such resources. This includes exploring innovative financing structures, federal funding and financial support opportunities, public-private partnerships, and regulatory designs for advanced nuclear energy that will protect consumers, help meet our region’s energy needs, and enable New England to capture job growth and economic development opportunities from the deployment of new nuclear technologies with advanced safety systems.
The Governors reiterated their commitment to ensuring local voices shape decision-making from the outset, including community-led approaches to explore appropriate, responsible locations for new nuclear development.
“These initiatives will complement our states’ other efforts to secure a safe, affordable and reliable electricity grid for the 21st century,” continue the Governors. “By ensuring both the continued operation of our existing nuclear fleet and setting our region on a path to explore next generation resources, including advanced nuclear energy technologies, the New England states will continue our leadership in grid modernization and energy innovation as we jointly work to meet the region’s current and future energy needs.”
Electricity consumption in New England is expected to increase more than 40 percent over the next 20 years, according to ISO New England. Demand for electricity in the winter is expected to grow the fastest. ISO New England’s latest forecast shows that winter peak demand is projected to double by 2045.
In Massachusetts, this work builds on Governor Healey’s recent executive order directing state agencies to evaluate emerging energy technologies, including advanced nuclear, to support a reliable and affordable electric grid.
Massachusetts has also launched a partnership with University of Massachusetts Lowell to develop “Advanced Nuclear and Fusion Energy Roadmaps” to accelerate the state’s leadership in advanced nuclear and fusion energy technologies. UMass Lowell will publish the Advanced Nuclear and Fusion Energy Roadmaps this summer, which will help identify the opportunities for Massachusetts as the region moves forward. The roadmaps are being informed by significant stakeholder feedback and expert input.