[Japan] JERA announces milestone agreements with US partners to secure up to 5.5 million tonnes of new long-term LNG supply annually over 20 years

As of June 12, 2025, JERA has finalized 20-year agreements to procure up to 5.5 million tonnes per year of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the US. [1] The agreements, which were introduced publicly at the US Department of Energy headquarters in Washington DC, advance JERA’s goal of building a diversified LNG procurement portfolio in support of stable energy for Japan and Asia. The agreements are expected to support economic activity worth $200 billion to the US GDP through long-term offtake commitments. The total value of these transactions surpasses JERA’s cumulative equity investment in the US, which is currently worth $6 billion. The agreements include sales and purchase agreements with NextDecade Corporation and Commonwealth LNG, as well as heads of agreement with Sempra Infrastructure and Cheniere Marketing LLC to secure future LNG supply from the US. The new agreements build upon JERA’s existing operations in the US, which include offtake contracts totaling 3.5 million tonnes per year.

[1] https://www.jera.co.jp/en/news/information/20250612_2184

[Japan] Japan certifies Proteus 1.1MW tidal turbine to export power to national grid

As of June 2, 2025, Proteus Marine Renewables’ AR1100 tidal turbine, which has a capacity of 1.1MW, has officially received certification from Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI), the national authority that regulates energy infrastructure and technology. [1] The certification confirms the system meets Japan’s regulatory standards for power generation, which marks a new chapter for tidal energy in the country. The turbine is currently exporting power to the national grid. METI conducted a thorough review and testing process to verify the turbine’s operational safety and reliability, and the certification was granted after successful performance under various tidal conditions. The turbine represents the next stage in Proteus’ roadmap for scaling tidal power, serving as the forerunner to the company’s most powerful turbine, the ARI3000. The deployment forms part of a long-standing collaboration between Proteus and Kyuden Mirai Energy Co., Inc. (KME) that is the representative company for the project. The collaboration aims to support Japan’s renewable energy transition, demonstrating that tidal energy has the potential to join Japan’s future energy mix. Proteus and KME are now continuing to explore additional opportunities for tidal generation capacity in Japan.

[1] https://proteusmr.com/2025/06/02/japan-certifies-proteus-1-1mw-tidal-turbine-now-exporting-power-to-national-grid/

[Japan] NYK unveils Japan’s first fully battery-driven work vessel

As of May 23, 2025, Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) unveiled Japan’s first fully battery-driven work vessel, which has been named e-Crea (pronounced “éclair”). [1] Keihin Dock Co. Ltd., an NYK Group company, built the vessel at Koyasu Shipyard. The vessel is designed without an onboard diesel generator and will support the docking and undocking of tugboats at Koyasu Shipyard. NYK Group aims to achieve low- and zero-carbon vessel operations by advancing the implementation of new technologies, such as this. This project came about in response to the growing global demand for decarbonizing maritime transportation, prompting NYK Group to explore next-generation fuels like ammonia. This initiative was spearheaded by Keihin Dock, NYK’s sole shipbuilding subsidiary. e-Crea is powered solely by batteries charged from shore facilities at Koyasu Shipyard and operates without emitting any carbon dioxide. The vessel also features a compact design measuring 9 meters in length and a compact hull, enabling maneuverability in confined spaces. The data and insights gained from e-Crea’s operation will be reflected in the development of an electric-propulsion tugboat scheduled for completion in December 2026.

[1] https://www.nyk.com/english/news/2025/20250526_01.html

[Japan] 16 organizations announce launch of joint research initiative to achieve carbon-neutral society through MEIT program

As of May 19, 2025, Nippon Steel Corporation announced that 16 more organizations, including University of Tokyo, Kobe Steel, ClassNK, JFE Steel Corporation, JERA Co., and Tokyo Gas Network, among others, have jointly established a Social Collaboration Program entitled “Materials for Future Energy Infrastructure Trust (MEIT) to elucidate and standardize the material reliability of energy infrastructure to support a carbon-neutral society. [1] The research commenced on the 1st of May 2025. Kobe Steel, JFE Steel Corporation, and ClassNK play lead roles. The program aims to evaluate the material reliability essential for ensuring the long-term integrity of infrastructure and cargo or fuel tanks for decarbonized energy carriers like liquefied hydrogen, ammonia, and liquefied and high-pressure CO2 in carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects. The program will establish material selection criteria, post-weld heat treatment omission standards and fracture prevention criteria to optimize construction costs and promote international standardization that contributes to a sustainable energy society.

[1] https://www.nipponsteel.com/en/news/20250519_050.html

[Japan] METI signs memorandum with Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam

As of April 29, 2025, the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry of Japan (METI) and the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) on the promotion of bilateral cooperation projects for energy transitions. [1] Both sides signed it, reaffirming the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) principles, especially since it involves pursuing a common goal of net-zero or carbon-neutrality. This pathway addresses economic growth, energy security, and decarbonization simultaneously. Based on this, Japan and Vietnam will proceed with discussions that aim to promote the implementation of the projects for offshore wind, power grid development, decarbonization of industrial zones, and more.

[1] https://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/2025/0429_001.html

[Japan] Marubeni and ExxonMobil’s low-carbon ammonia deal marks major step in unleashing new energy supply

As of May 7, 2025, Marubeni Corporation and Exxon Mobil Corporation have signed a long-term offtake agreement for approximately 250,000 tonnes of low-carbon ammonia per year from ExxonMobil’s facility in Texas. [1] The facility is expected to produce carbon-free hydrogen with approximately 98% of CO2 removed and low-carbon ammonia. The ammonia will be supplied by Marubeni to Kobe Power Plant, a fully owned subsidiary of Kobe Steel. Marubeni also agree to acquire an equity stake in ExxonMobil’s low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia facility. The facility is expected to be the world’s largest of its kind, capable of producing up to 1 billion cubic feet (bcf) daily of low-carbon hydrogen, and more than 1 million tons of low-carbon ammonia per year. By Japan’s fiscal year 2030, Kobe Power Plant aims to co-fire low-carbon ammonia with existing fuel, reducing CO2 emissions.

[1] https://corporate.exxonmobil.com/news/news-releases/2025/0507_low-carbon-ammonia-deal-marks-major-step-in-unleashing-new-energy-supply

[Japan] Bison Energy: Three BESS projects win bid in long-term decarbonization auction in Japan

As of April 30, 2025, Bison energy announced that three of its battery energy storage system (BESS) projects of total installed capacity 195,753 kW have successfully won the bid in the Long-Term Decarbonization Auction. [1] The auction is a bidding system that was introduced in 2023 by the Organization for Cross-regional Coordination of Transmission Operators, Japan (OCCTO). Successful bidders are to supply electricity for 20 years while receiving subsidies for the initial construction and operating costs of the power plants. This enables long-term profit forecasting and supports the achievement of carbon neutrality by 2050. The three winning bids are located in Fukushima, Niigata, and Fukui prefectures with the Fukushima project having the highest capacity.

[1] https://www.bisonenergy.net/media/details?id=54

[Japan] Press conference regarding response to US tariff measures

As of April 22, 2025, Japan Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru announced fixed price cuts on gasoline starting in May 2025. Prices will be lowered by 10 yen, or about 7 cents per liter starting in May. [1] The decision follows a proposal made by the Liberal Democratic Party and the Komeito Party on how to respond to the US tariff measures. In response, the government intends to take immediate action by restructuring the current fuel oil price drastic change mitigation measures and implementing the fixed price reduction measures to address the “old provisional tax rate.” Prime Minister Ishiba stated that diesel oil will be cut by 10 yen per liter, heavy oil and kerosene by 5 yen, and aviation fuel by 4 yen. These measures will be implemented from May 22nd onwards. Additionally, he announced that steps will be taken to support consumers’ electricity and gas bill for 3 months of summer in July, August, and September, when electricity demand usually rises. 

 [1] https://www.kantei.go.jp/jp/103/statement/2025/0422kaiken.html

[Japan] JERA supplies electricity to BPO sites through solar power PPA

As of April 16, 2025, JERA Co., Inc. began supplying electricity from offsite solar power facilities to PI’s Iwate BPO Fortress last year in June, as part of an effort to move toward zero-CO2 emissions power consumption at all business process outsourcing (BPO) sites run by Prestige International (PI). [1] JERA now announces that it has newly begun supplying it to facilities at six BPO sites in Japan, through an off-site corporate power purchase agreement (PPA) using solar power. Of six sites, one is in the Hokuriku area and the remaining five are in the Tohoku area. As a result, approximately 30% of the electricity used in Tohoku will be sourced from renewable energy derived from the solar power plants. The remaining electricity will be sourced from solar plants in the Chubu area or procured from the market. Eventually, JERA will gradually introduce 24/7 carbon-free electricity at all of PI’s BPO sites, through its subsidiary JERA Cross.

[1] https://www.jera.co.jp/en/news/information/20250416_2156

[Japan] CF Industries Announces joint venture with JERA Co., Inc., and Mitsui & Co., Ltd.

As of April 8, 2025, CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CF), the world’s largest producer of ammonia, announced today that it has formed a joint venture with JERA Co., Ltd. (JERA), Japan’s largest energy company, and Mitsui & Co., Inc (Mitsui), a global investment and trading company, for the construction, production, and offtake of low-carbon ammonia. [1] Upon formation, CF Industries will hold 40% ownership, JERA 35% ownership, and Mitsui 25% ownership in the joint venture. The venture will construct at CF Industries’ autothermal reforming (ATR) ammonia production facility in Louisiana, with a carbon dioxide (CO2) dehydration and compression unit at the site to prepare captured CO2 for transportation and sequestration. The facility will have an annual nameplate capacity of approximately 1.4 million metric tons, which is the largest by nameplate capacity in the world. Production of low-carbon ammonia is expected to begin in 2029. The companies estimate that the cost of the low-carbon ATR ammonia production facility with CCS technologies will be around $4 billion.

[1] https://www.cfindustries.com/newsroom/2025/blue-point-joint-venture

[Japan] Japan’s largest onshore wind farm begins commercial operations in Abukuma Area, Fukushima Prefecture

As of April 2, 2025, Sumitomo Corporation and several other companies have been advancing the construction of the Abukuma Wind Power Plants wind farm since April 2022, through Fukushima Fukko Furyoku. [1] Construction was completed on March 31, 2025, with commercial operations starting on April 2, 2025. The renewable energy generated at the wind farm will be supplied to multiple companies and municipalities with business operations in Fukushima Prefecture through Corporate Power Purchase Agreements. A portion of the revenue from energy sales is expected to be utilized for funding reconstruction projects in local municipalities where the wind farm is located through the Fukushima Prefecture Renewable Energy Reconstruction Promotion Council. The Abukuma Wind Power Project is part of Fukushima Prefecture’s initiative to generate more than 100% of its energy demand from renewable energy sources by 2040. The wind farm is Japan’s largest onshore wind farm, comprising 46 wind turbines with a capacity of 3,200 kW each, spanning the municipalities of Tamura, Okuma, Namie, and Katsurao. The total generation capacity of the wind farm is 147,000 kW.

 [1] https://www.sumitomocorp.com/en/mideast-africa/news/release/2025/group/19910

[Japan] Kansai EPC: Additional investment in SkyDrive and expansion of capital and business alliance

As of March 26, 2025, the Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc. (Kansai EPC) entered into a new capital and business alliance agreement, as well as agreements related to additional investment, with SkyDrive Inc. [1] Kansai EPC has been collaborating with SkyDrive to date in the development of optimal charging systems for the aircraft that SkyDrive is developing, as well as in the development of energy management systems, with the aim of providing mobility services for AAM. The goal of this alliance is to collaborate to propose energy solutions to operators of vertiports and to achieve de facto standardization of charging systems for AAM. SkyDrive is the only domestic aircraft manufacturer of Aam scheduled to operate at the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025.

 [1] https://www.kepco.co.jp/english/corporate/pr/2025/pdf/mar26_1.pdf

[Japan] Project financing for Seagreen Offshore electricity transmission project in UK

As of March 10, 2025, the Japan Bank for International Cooperation signed on March 6 a loan agreement with Seagreen Phase 1 of OFTO Project Limited (Seagreen), a British company invested in by Kyuden International Cooperation, Kyushu Electric Power Transmission and Distribution Co., Inc., and Equitix Investment Management Limited of the United Kingdom. [1] JBIC will provide project financing up to approximately GBP283 million (JBIC portion) for an offshore electricity transmission project for Seagreen offshore wind farm in the UK. Co-financed with Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, Limited, Mizuho Bank, Ltd., and Aviva Life & Pensions UK Limited, the total amount goes to approximately GBP568 million. Seagreen will own and operate the facilities for offshore electricity transmission located about 27 km off the east coast of northeast Great Britain. Seagreen will also transmit the electricity generated by the wind farm, with total generation capacity of 1,075 MW, to the National Grid for 24 years. The expertise gained from the electricity transmission service for the offshore wind farm is expected to be utilized in future projects in Japan and other countries in addition to the UK.

[1] https://www.jbic.go.jp/en/information/press/press-2024/press_00151.html

[Japan] Kansai and Iberdrola agree to expand global strategic alliance

As of February 21, 2025, Kansai Electric Power Co. (Kansai), announced that it signed a new memorandum on global strategic collaboration with Iberdrola. [1] The strategic partnership aims to focus on renewables and transmission and distribution, with both companies accelerating global business development. Iberdrola is a major company in the renewable energy sector with a worldwide footprint in almost 30 countries. Kansai is collaborating with Iberdrola on joint investments in projects, including the Windanker offshore wind farm in Germany, and the UK distribution network (Electricity North West (ENW) group). This collaboration aims to expand its global business and contribute to the achievement of a zero-carbon society.

[1] https://www.kepco.co.jp/english/corporate/pr/2025/pdf/feb21_1.pdf

[Japan] Government of Japan cabinet decision on the Seventh Strategic Energy Plan

As of February 18, 2025, the Government of Japan made a Cabinet Decision on the Seventh Strategic Energy Plan after going through the public comment procedure and other processes. [1] The Strategic Energy Plan is formulated under the Basic Act on Energy Policy to show the basic directions for Japan’s energy policies. The Advisory Committee for Natural Resources and Energy began discussions on the Seventh Strategic Energy Plan in May of 2024 and presented the draft version of the plan on December 17, 2024. Most recently, a cabinet decision was made such that the GX2040 Vision and the Plan for Global Warming Countermeasures were approved, with the intention of furthering a stable energy supply, economic growth, and decarbonization simultaneously. The previous revision occurred in October 2021, with the newer one being implemented in light of the changing energy situation in Japan.

 [1] https://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/2025/0218_001.html

[Japan] NYK conducts biofuel trial on coal carrier for Tohoku Electric Power

As of February 9, 2025, NYK started a biofuel test run on its coal carrier Noshiro Maru, which is operated for Tohoku Electric Power Co., Inc. [1] This is the first time in Japan that a coal carrier has been used to test biofuel for a domestic power utility company. Mitsubishi Corporation Energy Co., Ltd. in the Keihin area facilitated the supply of the biofuel. Biofuels are made from organic resources (biomass) of biological origin, and are considered to produce virtually zero carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions when combusted. Since they can be used in heavy-oil powered ship engines, biofuels are considered a key means of reducing GHG emissions during the energy transition. Using biofuels in sea navigation also reduced Scope 3 GHG emissions generated by transporting customers’ cargo. NYK intends to continue introducing biofuels and reducing GHG emissions in their customers’ supply chains, while promoting decarbonization in maritime transport.

[1] https://www.nyk.com/english/news/2025/20250210_04.html

[Japan] Sumitomo Electric initiates project for redox flow battery system in the Oki Islands

As of February 5, 2025, Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. has initiated a project for constructing a storage battery system using redox flow batteries (final scale: output 4,000 kW, capacity 12,500 kWh) in Ama Town, Oki County, Shimane Prefecture in Japan. [1] This storage battery system is an initiative that three parties – Chugoku Electric Power Transmission & Distribution Co., Inc., Ama Town, and como-gomo. company – have worked on under a subsidy from Japan’s Ministry of the Environment titled “Facility Introduction Support Project for Mainstreaming Renewable Energy in Remote Islands.” Sumitomo Electric plans to contribute to the promotion of carbon neutrality and the enhancement of resilience to disasters in the Oki Islands through the redox flow battery system. The aforementioned three parties will accelerate efforts to realize a decarbonized society in Ama Town through a tripartite public-private partnership. The project will build a next-generation power network that can respond to disasters, including independent power supply operation (microgrid) during emergencies. This initiative is also expected to contribute to renewable energy development in the Oki islands.

[1] https://sumitomoelectric.com/press/2025/02/prs013

[Japan] JERA and Yamato group sign agreement on renewable energy collaboration for decarbonizing logistics

As of January 8, 2025, JERA announced that it has signed a basic agreement with Yamato Transport related to collaboration on renewable energy equipment and its optimal utilization aimed at achieving decarbonization of logistics. [1] The Yamato Group has the goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and a 48% reduction in emissions by 2030. Under the basic agreement with Yamato Transport, JERA’s subsidiary JERA Cross, acting as an aggregation coordinator, will support Yamato Energy Management in managing supply and demand operations to maintain a balanced volume of renewable and other energy. Furthermore, tracking renewable energy from electric vehicles and solar power generating equipment used at the sales locations of the Yamato Group is intended to enable more efficient utilization of renewable energy. JERA aims to achieve decarbonization of logistics by supplying the Yamato Group with 24/7 carbon-free energy.

[1] https://www.jera.co.jp/en/news/information/20250108_2103

[Japan] Kansai inked agreement with Iberdola for an offshore wind farm project in Germany

As of December 13, 2024, Japan’s Kansai Electric Power Co. has taken a 49% stake in Iberdrola’s Windanker offshore wind project in Germany, expanding its partnership with the Spanish renewable energy giant. [1] The wind farm will have an installed capacity of 315 MW and start operating by 2026. The project marks Kansai’s 5th offshore wind farm participation overseas and involves the installation of 21 bottom-fixed offshore wind turbines. The acquisition brings Kansai’s net capacity of overseas generation to 3,007 MW. Kansai aims to collaborate with Iberdrola on more overseas projects in various fields, such as renewable energy, since it is one of the leading energy companies in the renewable energy sector. Kansai’s goal is to use the experience from the project to expand offshore wind power projects in Japan and contribute to a future zero-carbon society.

[1] https://www.kepco.co.jp/english/corporate/pr/2024/pdf/dec13_1.pdf

[Japan] Nuclear reactor at Shimane plant restarts for first time since 2012

As of December 7, 2024, a nuclear reactor in Shimane Prefecture in western Japan has restarted for the first time in 13 years. [1] It is the 14th reactor to be reactivated after meeting Japan’s new requirements that were introduced after the Fukushima Daiichi plant meltdowns. The Chugoku Electric Power Company suspended operations of the No. 2 reactor at the Shimane nuclear power plant in 2012 for regular inspections. The unit passed the Nuclear Regulation Authority’s screening in 2021. Chugoku Electric completed construction work in October and finished putting in nuclear fuel in November. The utility stated that the reactor reached a self-sustaining chain reaction two hours after the restart, and power generation will commence later in the month. Commercial operations are expected to resume in early January. The Shimane complex in Matsue City is the only nuclear power plant in a Japanese prefectural capital.

[1] https://www.energia.co.jp/atom_info/assets/20241207a_5.pdf