New Jersey launches procurement for 1,100 MW of advanced nuclear power

Governor Mikie Sherrill signed the Power NJ Act, directing the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities and the Economic Development Authority to begin a competitive procurement process for at least 1,100 megawatts of new nuclear capacity. The board will issue a request for expressions of interest within 180 days, give developers 60 days to submit detailed proposals, and decide within 90 days whether to move forward, with a final order expected by July 8, 2028 if the project benefits ratepayers and secures federal financing.

The initiative aims to add advanced nuclear technologies, including small modular reactors, to improve grid reliability and meet rising electricity demand driven by AI, data centers, and other high‑energy uses. Today, nuclear plants already supply over 40% of New Jersey’s electricity and about 80% of its clean‑energy generation, and the new law ends a decades‑long de‑facto moratorium on additional nuclear plants.