Local officials explore nuclear energy opportunities for former NRG site
Local economic development leaders are actively pursuing potential future uses for the former NRG Generating Station in Dunkirk. Recently, Mark Geise, Chautauqua County’s deputy county executive for economic development, and Vince DeJoy, Dunkirk’s director of planning and development, attended the 2026 Nuclear Energy Policy Summit in New York City. Their participation aimed to gain insights into the nuclear energy sector and its relevance for the NRG site.
The summit, hosted by the Atlantic Council’s Nuclear Energy Policy Initiative, convened leaders from various sectors to discuss the future of nuclear energy and the deployment of next-generation technologies. According to Geise, the event offered invaluable opportunities to learn from industry experts about emerging technologies, financing models, and regulatory considerations.
“We want to explore every viable opportunity available to us,” Geise stated, emphasizing that nuclear energy is one potential pathway being considered for the redevelopment of the site.
The former Dunkirk Generating Station was operational for over 60 years before being decommissioned in 2016. In May 2026, ownership transferred from NRG Energy to Genover LLC, which is actively planning for the site’s future use in collaboration with local officials.
With the significant existing energy infrastructure and strategic location along Lake Erie, the site presents a valuable opportunity for economic development in the region. Local officials and Genover intend to evaluate uses that could attract private investment, create jobs, and enhance the local tax base.
DeJoy noted, “The summit helped us understand the financing challenges for nuclear projects and highlighted the importance of community engagement to ensure robust discussions about safety and economic benefits.”
As efforts to revitalize the former NRG site continue, local leaders remain hopeful about the prospects of nuclear energy playing a pivotal role in its future.
