On September 19th, U.S. and Japanese governments are expected to announce a significant energy investment initiative, as reported by Japanese media, including the Yomiuri Shimbun. The joint statement at the summit in Washington will outline a roadmap for $73 billion in investments in energy infrastructure, including the construction of small modular reactors (SMRs) in the U.S. This marks a continuation of Japan's commitment made last year to invest $550 billion in various projects, aiming to bolster economic security and enhance supply chain cooperation between the two nations.

In a previous phase of this investment plan initiated last month, Japan and the U.S. confirmed three projects worth $36 billion, which included the manufacturing of synthetic diamonds and construction of infrastructure for exporting American crude oil. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi emphasized the strategic importance of key minerals and energy sectors, asserting that this partnership would strengthen economic ties and promote mutual benefits for both nations. Former President Donald Trump had also expressed his support for these initiatives at the time.

The anticipated joint announcement is expected to highlight the strategic significance of the U.S.-Japan alliance and the leadership roles both countries will assume in the global technology competition, especially in the energy sector. Construction of these reactors, particularly by the joint venture GE Veranova-Hitachi, is expected to take place in Tennessee, while additional gas-fired power facilities will also be established in Pennsylvania and Texas, indicating a robust bilateral commitment towards energy security and infrastructure development.