Security trumps all in Japan’s LNG strategy

Tokyo and Japan’s utilities continue to back LNG projects, even as the country’s demand declines

Japan is highly dependent on energy imports and was a key pioneer in the LNG sector. However, the country’s demand for the liquefied fuel is in decline, and poised to slide further, even as Tokyo doubles down on its backing for LNG projects. Japan, ever conscious of its energy security, will soon have a contracted surplus of LNG, and its utilities are already shifting to take on the role of marketing and reselling the fuel.   Japan is working on updating its Strategic Energy Plan, with the seventh iteration due before the end of March next year. The Sixth Strategic Energy Plan was adopted into law in October 2021, with a focus on reaching carbon neutrality by 2050. But the Japanese governmen