Watertown weighs nuclear option alongside solar plan for former landfill

Watertown officials are considering whether the city should explore nuclear power at its former landfill while continuing to evaluate a possible solar farm there. The proposals could create a new source of energy or revenue as the city’s hydroelectric contract is expected to end around 2029 or 2030.

Council member Shane Garrabrant proposed pursuing nuclear power as a parallel option to solar. Council member Doug Osborne supported further investigation, while council member Ben Shoen questioned whether the site has enough usable land for a nuclear facility.

The landfill covers 78 acres. A Willdan Performance Engineering representative told the council in October that about 40 acres could support solar. Estimates presented to the council ranged from a loss of up to $151,000 per year to a gain of up to $450,000 per year.

The site has been considered for solar development before. Abundant Solar Power proposed an array in 2019, and Abundant Solar Energy offered $2.1 million for a 30-year lease in 2020. That proposal did not move forward.

The landfill is near homes on Water Street, where residents have expressed differing views. Some have raised concerns about property values, environmental effects and possible chemicals in the soil. Others said they were not strongly opposed or believed the city should decide how to use the property.

Osborne said safety and residents’ concerns would be considered before the council takes action. The process remains in its early stages.

New York state directed the New York Power Authority in June 2025 to develop at least 1 gigawatt of advanced nuclear power in Upstate New York. NYPA received responses from eight Upstate communities, including Jefferson County. Garrabrant has proposed that Watertown send a letter expressing interest, but nuclear power remains a proposal rather than a city application.

Watertown’s City Council is scheduled to meet at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2, 2026, in Council Chambers at 245 Washington St. Willdan or city staff are expected to provide additional solar figures, and the council is expected to continue considering the site’s possible uses. Meeting agendas and minutes are available through the City of Watertown website.