Middle East conflicts intensify energy security concerns! It is reported that Japan and the United States are considering including nuclear power projects in a $550 billion investment plan.

Two informed sources said on Wednesday that Japan and the United States are working hard to include a nuclear power project in the second round of the $550 billion comprehensive investment plan from Japan to the United States. The sources stated that this nuclear power project would involve Westinghouse Electric, aimed at strengthening the energy supply chain between the two countries amidst renewed concerns over energy security due to the Middle East conflict. The sources mentioned that several agreements are currently being discussed and may be announced when Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan meets with US President Trump in Washington on March 19. The sources also mentioned that a project to construct a copper smelting and refining facility is also under consideration. In a joint information statement released by the Japanese and US governments in October last year, about 20 companies expressed interest in participating in projects funded by Japan, with Westinghouse Electric being one of them. According to the statement, this American company owned by Cameco and Brookfield is considering building pressurized water reactors and small modular reactors, with a total value of up to $100 billion. The US government signed a partnership agreement worth at least $80 billion last year with Westinghouse Electric to construct nuclear reactors. As power demand rises with the expansion of artificial intelligence data centers, this move underscores Trump's agenda to increase domestic energy production. The statement also mentioned that Japanese companies such as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Toshiba, and IHI may be involved. In July last year, Trump tweeted on social media that the US had reached a trade agreement with Japan, where the original 25% tariff rate would be reduced to 15% - including lowering tariffs on automobiles, which are a key pillar of the Japanese economy. Japan would invest $550 billion in the US and open up markets for products like rice through the Shenzhen Agricultural Power Group fund. This investment fund aims to promote large-scale investments by Japan in critical US industries, serving as a key pillar of the trade agreement between the two countries last year. Japan is actively pushing forward relevant agreements to fulfill its investment commitments made under the US-Japan tariff agreement framework. Previously, Japan announced three projects totaling $36 billion, including a natural gas power plant in Ohio, a critical mineral project in Georgia, and a liquefied natural gas facility in Texas. These projects aim to promote industrial revitalization in the US, energy dominance, and reduce dependence on foreign critical minerals. Additionally, the sources mentioned that in order to deepen negotiations, Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry Akira Amari is planning to visit the US starting on Thursday to meet with US Secretary of Commerce Lutnick. Since the initiation of tariff negotiations in April last year, Amari has visited Washington at least ten times. He has also met with Lutnick multiple times in Tokyo and discussed the $550 billion commitment over the phone. According to the agreement framework, the Japan International Cooperation Bank and Japan Trade Insurance are expected to play a leading role in project financing. It is currently unclear the exact size of the funds in the form of direct investment. Akira Amari stated last year that only 1-2% of the $550 billion mechanism would be in the form of cash investment, with the majority being provided in the form of loans and loan guarantees.