A blueprint for the deployment of advanced nuclear technologies in New York says nuclear offers attractive possibilities, but warns there are “a host of questions” to be answered regarding technological readiness, environmental and climate justice, waste, cost and cost risks.

The blueprint, published by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (Nyserda), says advanced nuclear power plants offer scalability, economic development, low land use, advanced operational and safety features, and potential applications for process heat for industry.

But it warns on cost, noting that nuclear plants in the US “have a long history of substantial cost overruns”. It says the most recent commercial reactors to be completed, the two AP1000 units at Vogtle in Georgia, were originally estimated to cost $13bn (€12bn), but eventually cost $32bn, with a seven-year delay.

According to the blueprint, an analysis of the cost overruns at Vogtle identified some best practices that were not followed, especially emphasising pre-project planning and project management.

Other factors were the bankruptcy of Vogtle’s initial engineering, procurement and construction contractor, Westinghouse, due to the fixed-price nature of its contract and increased accrual of interest during construction as delays mounted.