JERA Co., Inc., a global energy leader and Japan’s largest power generation company, has announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and state-owned QatarEnergy to establish a trilateral cooperation framework for securing additional liquefied natural gas supplies during emergency situations.
Addressing Energy Market Uncertainty
The global energy market faces increasing uncertainty from geopolitical developments and large-scale natural disasters. As natural gas continues to play a critical role in energy security, particularly through access to supplemental volumes during supply disruptions, establishing a framework to secure stable LNG supplies during emergencies has become increasingly important.
Proven Partnership
Qatar is one of the largest LNG producers in the world and has been a key LNG supplier to Japanese buyers, including JERA, for nearly three decades. Following the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011, Qatar provided additional LNG supplies to Japan on an emergency basis, contributing significantly to the stability of Japan’s energy supply. This experience reflects Qatar’s capability to provide stable supply and respond effectively in emergency situations, and has supported long-standing cooperation among Qatar, the Government of Japan, JERA and other Japanese buyers.
Framework Mechanism
Under the MOU, in the event that global LNG market tightness or large-scale natural disasters in Japan threaten stable domestic energy supply, and if METI determines that such conditions warrant action, METI may request QatarEnergy to consider supplying additional LNG to Japanese buyers, including JERA. The parties will then consult on appropriate response measures.
Yukio Kani, global CEO and chair of JERA, said: “This MOU provides an important framework for cooperation with our partners in situations where Japan may face supply constraints. By strengthening coordination with METI and QatarEnergy, we are better positioned to respond with flexibility and agility to ensure stable energy supply for Japan.”
Commitment to Energy Stability
JERA will continue to strengthen its LNG procurement and operational capabilities to support timely and effective responses even during periods of supply-demand tightness. Through these efforts, JERA reaffirms its commitment to supporting Japan’s overall energy stability.
