Bechtel and Kiewit sign up to $332bn US–Japan infrastructure partnership

The agreement forms part of Japan’s previously announced US$550 billion commitment to invest in the United States to strengthen the nation’s industrial base and energy security. It includes up to $332 billion for the construction of critical energy infrastructure.

According to a White House statement, Bechtel and Kiewit will provide engineering, procurement and project management services for new power plants, substations and transmission systems. The programme also covers work with Westinghouse on AP1000 and small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs), with GE Vernova and Hitachi on additional SMR development, and with Toshiba on electrical power modules and substation equipment.

Bechtel said it had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the US Department of Commerce to support Japan’s investment commitment, helping to deliver the power, data centres and advanced manufacturing facilities needed to enable the next generation of artificial intelligence technologies.

Brendan Bechtel, the company’s chairman and chief executive, said, “Leadership in technology begins with leadership in infrastructure. Before you can unlock computing power and power the next generation of AI, you have to design and build its enabling infrastructure. That’s the work Bechtel has done for more than 127 years, delivering high-stakes, mission-critical projects that power progress and quite literally lay the foundation for the future. We’re honoured to play a role in this historic agreement, advancing innovation, AI leadership, and America’s energy security.”

Bechtel said the partnership would support US government efforts to expand capacity in power generation, advanced manufacturing, AI data centres and critical minerals processing, reinforcing supply chains across key industrial sectors.

The wider framework also includes $30 billion of AI infrastructure investment with Mitsubishi Electric for power systems and data centres, and $25 billion with TDK for advanced electronic components.

Bechtel and Kiewit’s participation places both contractors at the centre of what US officials described as a long-term collaboration with Japanese industry to modernise US energy and industrial infrastructure.