Yokohama, Japan
Japan considers scaling back LNG use
Global LNG demand might not reach previously forecast heights this decade as Tokyo mulls an increased role for renewables
Japan's government has published a new draft energy plan for 2030 that envisages more renewable power, reduced gas and coal-fired generation, as well as steady nuclear targets as the country seeks to meet its 2050 decarbonisation goals. The revised draft anticipates renewables becoming by far the country’s single largest energy source by 2030, whereas previous plans placed renewables third—below LNG and coal. But it is not clear when the revised plans—which were published by the Resources and Energy Study group subcommittee of the powerful Ministry for Economy, Trade and Industry (Meti)—might become official policy. Tokyo now wants to give “top priority to renewable energy” to reach 36-38p
Also in this section
2 June 2025
It is time to acknowledge that the US-Saudi Arabia nexus is driving a fundamental shift in OPEC strategy
2 June 2025
More than anything else, weak Chinese gas demand is providing relief to EU consumers, but it is uncertain how long this relief will last
30 May 2025
Energy majors argue transition debate has started to factor in the complexities of demand shifts and the wider role for gas
29 May 2025
Sovereignty is the watchword for the new government, but there are still upstream opportunities for those willing to work closely with the state
