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解决电力短缺,美国拟新增多达10座核反应堆,可能日本“买单”
Hua Er Jie Jian Wen· 2025-11-20 03:52
Core Insights - The U.S. government plans to procure and own up to 10 new large nuclear reactors to address the surging electricity demand driven by data centers and artificial intelligence [1][2] - This initiative is seen as a response to a "national emergency," indicating a significant shift in government intervention in the private market [2][3] - The plan may leverage Japan's previously committed $550 billion investment, with $332 billion earmarked for U.S. energy projects, including investments in Westinghouse's new AP1000 reactors [1][3] Government Intervention - The U.S. power system is under immense pressure due to explosive growth in electricity demand from AI data centers and potential manufacturing recovery [2] - The Energy Department has not disclosed specific site details for the reactors but expresses confidence in the project's implementation [2][3] - The government is also expected to provide "hundreds of billions" in loans to the nuclear sector, including a $1 billion loan for the restart of the Three Mile Island nuclear plant [2] Industry Beneficiaries - Key players in the nuclear energy sector are anticipated to benefit from the federal government's procurement plan [3][4] - Westinghouse, the sole large reactor design currently under discussion, is jointly owned by Cameco and Brookfield Asset Management, and is coordinating with the U.S. government [3] - BWX Technologies, Mirion Technologies, and Flowserve are positioned to gain significant contracts in heavy manufacturing and safety monitoring [3][4] Uranium Mining Sector - Domestic uranium mining companies (e.g., UEC, EU, URG, UUUU) are expected to benefit from the federal government's efforts to expand domestic uranium mining for both commercial and defense needs [4] Nuclear Power Resurgence - If the plan is realized, it could break a decade-long stagnation in U.S. nuclear power construction, with the last major project starting over ten years ago [5][6] - The previous setbacks in the industry, such as the Vogtle project exceeding its budget by $16 billion and facing a seven-year delay, have led to skepticism about large nuclear projects [5][6] - The current AI boom is changing the industry's dynamics, potentially reviving interest in large nuclear projects [6][7] Government's Role - The direct intervention of the U.S. government may be the critical impetus needed for the nuclear industry to restart amid electricity shortages [8]