(4th LD) Trump unveils S. Korea's investment plans for Alaska LNG project, Texas power plant, 8 nuclear reactors

On September 30, U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled South Korea's investment plans under their bilateral trade agreement, focusing on the construction of a Texas gas-fired power plant, eight large-scale nuclear power plants, and an Alaska liquefied natural gas (LNG) project. The announcement came after months of negotiations over significant energy infrastructure projects as part of the agreement, which committed South Korea to investing $350 billion in the U.S. in return for lower tariffs on Korean goods.

The Texas project, known as "Project Star," will involve a 6-gigawatt power generation facility, one of the largest ever built, expected to begin commercial operation in 2029 and reach full capacity in 2032. The announcement also highlighted eight new nuclear power plants that will solidify the U.S. position as the world's leading producer of nuclear power. Additionally, the Alaska LNG project, "Project North," will transport natural gas to Asia, delivering nearly 4 billion cubic feet daily.

Trump emphasized these projects as a major step towards securing the U.S. energy supply chain, ensuring energy dominance, and strengthening partnerships with South Korea and the Pacific region. The Commerce Department released a fact sheet outlining the projects, calling them "Project Star," "Project Power," and "Project North." The Texas and nuclear projects have reportedly reached a commercial agreement, while the Alaska project is still under consideration pending completion of required legal and commercial steps.