Powering Innovation: The Need for Energy Infrastructure in New York

In a recent address at the Momentum AI Conference, Governor Kathy Hochul laid out an ambitious vision for New York’s technology landscape. Central to her plans is the theme of innovation—spanning artificial intelligence, semiconductor manufacturing, quantum research, and advanced computing. However, amid the big ideas and optimistic forecasts, one crucial takeaway stood out: the urgent need for a robust energy infrastructure.

The Energy Imperative

Hochul’s message highlights a fundamental truth: all technological innovation relies on one vital resource—electricity. For nearly three decades, America has consistently under-invested in its energy systems. The consequence is clear: if the nation is to support its lofty ambitions for the future, a significant expansion of its energy production and transmission capacity is necessary.

Building a sustainable energy future isn’t merely about supporting a burgeoning tech sector; it’s about laying the groundwork for economic growth, national security, and overall competitiveness. Hochul’s proposal for a major nuclear build-out represents an attempt to get ahead in this critical race.

Competing Globally

The competition for technological supremacy isn’t confined to the borders of the United States. Other nations, particularly China, have recognized that energy generation and distribution are essential to industrial growth and innovation. China’s investments in power infrastructure, ultra-high-voltage transmission systems, and a diversified energy portfolio—encompassing nuclear, coal, and renewables—exemplify a strategic approach to gaining an edge in technological dominance.

In contrast, the U.S. faces the risk of falling behind. Many voters express deep concern about the implications of losing ground to nations that prioritize energy capacity—beliefs echoed in polling data showing widespread fear over potential cyber threats and espionage if foreign adversaries achieve technological superiority.

The Local Landscape

Within domestic borders, energy availability remains a primary concern for businesses deciding where to locate data centers and manufacturing facilities. Companies prioritize regions that can guarantee abundant, reliable, and cost-effective power. The implications are profound: states enhancing their energy generation and transmission capabilities will be better positioned to attract lucrative projects and the jobs that come with them.

New York, with its ambitious nuclear plans, has the potential to lead the nation. But existing legislative policies and regulatory frameworks risk stifling this progress. Currently, New York stands out for its proactive stance on regulating emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence—yet these regulations could inadvertently hinder the innovation they aim to promote.

The Call for Action

If lawmakers continue to prioritize regulation over innovation, New York, and potentially the entire U.S., could miss out on the opportunity to compete effectively on the global stage. With foreign competitors investing heavily in energy capacity, the urgency for American advancements reflects not just a desire for progress but a necessity for national security.

Gov. Hochul’s ambitious plans will require not just vision but effective infrastructure. To convert the state’s potential into economic reality, elected officials must focus on policies that facilitate rather than complicate the construction of power plants and transmission lines.

The Advantage of New York

New York possesses a unique combination of resources—including a thriving innovation ecosystem, access to substantial capital, and an abundance of technical talent. However, these advantages risk becoming irrelevant without the necessary energy infrastructure to support them.

To maximize both public and private investment, a concerted effort across state and local governments is essential. Policymakers must prioritize the development of energy systems that can not only support existing industries but also foster new opportunities for innovation and growth.

In this pivotal moment, the path forward hinges on a shared understanding that energy is as vital as innovation itself. Stakeholders across the board—governors, lawmakers, and industry leaders—must unite in their efforts to ensure that New York remains a formidable player in the global tech race. The stakes are high, and the imperative for action has never been clearer.

Doug Kelly is CEO of the American Edge Project, an advocacy group focused on protecting and promoting American leadership in innovation.