[Japan] JERA signs first long-term LNG supply agreement with Torrent Power

As of December 8, 2025, JERA announced the signing of its first long-term LNG Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) to supply LNG outside Japan with India’s utility company, Torrent Power. [1] JERA will supply four LNG cargoes a year under the agreement, or 270,000 tons per annum. The supply will occur for a period of ten years starting in 2027. The LNG procured under this agreement will be used by Torrent to operate its 2,730 MW portfolio of combined cycle Gas-Based power plants in India. The partnership aims to leverage the complementary seasonal demand patterns of Japan and India, where JERA will optimize utilization of its global fleet during low-demand by supplying to Torrent during India’s high-demand windows. JERA intends to continue building an LNG portfolio across the Middle East, Asia, and the United States, while expanding its LNG sales footprint into the Asian markets.

[1] https://www.jera.co.jp/en/news/information/20251208_2324

[Japan] JERA partners with Newlab New Orleans to advance low-concentration CO2 capture technologies

As of December 3, 2025, JERA has entered a partnership with Newlab New Orleans, a startup platform focused on the critical technologies for energy and industry of the Gulf South. [1] The partnership aims to accelerate next-generation carbon capture technologies designed for low-concentration CO2 emissions. Newlab is a global venture platform supporting the development of new technologies through infrastructure and partnerships. Newlab New Orleans is the organization’s public-private innovation hub in Louisiana, which provides a unique environment to test and deploy early-stage technologies. Although Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) has advanced significantly, capturing CO2 from lower-concentration sources remains a complex challenge. Combined Cycle Gas Turbines (CCGT) produce low-CO2 emissions, making conventional capture methods costly and inefficient. JERA and Newlab New Orleans have launched a program to evaluate, test, and advance startups under conditions representative of real industrial emissions. They will select a group of Point Source Capture startups and identify one technology for deeper development and commercialization in 2026.

[1] https://www.jera.co.jp/en/news/information/20251203_2322

[Japan] Niigata governor approves TEPCO’s first nuclear reactor restart since Fukushima

As of November 21, 2025, Niigata Governor Hideo Hanazumi agreed to the restart of a nuclear reactor at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa power plant, the first for operator Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) since the 2011 Fukushima accident. [1] A public opinion survey conducted in the summer of 2025 revealed that the safety and disaster prevention measures at the plant are not sufficiently recognized by residents of Niigata prefecture. According to the survey, younger generations between the ages of 20-30 tend to be more supportive of restarting the plant compared to older generations. The issue of how to approach the potential restart of the plant has been a long-standing concern for residents as opinions are very divided. The governor has stated that if he receives approval from the assembly to continue serving as governor, he will report the move to the national government, thereby ending the process of obtaining local consent. The Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) cleared both the No. 6 and No. 7 reactors following safety reviews in 2017. The governor has insisted that the plant is considered necessary to abide by the national policy that is advancing the use of nuclear power generation for its stability, self-sufficiency, and ability to address vulnerabilities in Japan’s power supply structure.

[1] https://www.pref.niigata.lg.jp/uploaded/attachment/471705.pdf

[Japan] Japan investment in US increases exponentially

As of October 28, 2025, the US signed a critical minerals agreement with Japan, and deepened US-Japan cooperation in trade, supply chain resilience, and energy security, among other areas. [1] President Trump and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi signed the US-Japan Framework Agreement in which Japanese companies outline their investment plans In American critical energy infrastructure, AI infrastructure, electronics, and supply chain, critical minerals, manufacturing, and more. [2] The critical minerals agreement primarily aims to diversify the critical minerals supply chain and review inbound investment and address risks from outbound investments. In the way of energy security, Tokyo Gas and JERA announced letters of intent with Glenfarne for LNG offtake from a pipeline set to be constructed in Alaska. JERA also announced an investment in Louisiana’s Haynesville Shale basin. Global Coal Sales Group announced a multi-year deal with Tohoku Electric Power for US-sourced thermal coal. The US and Japan also signed an MOC for a US-Japan Technology Prosperity Deal to cooperate on AI adoption and innovation. Additional areas of collaboration include research security, quantum information science and technology, fusion energy, and more.

[1] https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/10/28195/

[2] https://www.meti.go.jp/press/2025/10/20251028002/20251028002-a.pdf

[Japan] Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae remarks regarding Trump’s visit to Japan

As of October 28, 2025, Prime Minister Takaichi held her first in-person summit meeting with President Trump. [1] The meeting centered on strengthening the Japan-US alliance, and expanding cooperation with partners such as Japan-US-ROK, Japan-US-Philippines, and Japan-US-Australia-India. Prime Minister Takaichi conveyed to President Trump Japan’s intention to strengthen economic security cooperation in areas such as critical minerals, rare earths, AI, and other advanced technologies. President Trump and the Prime Minister signed documents on the implementation of a bilateral agreement and on cooperation in rare earths and critical minerals. Japan intends to focus on economic growth by implementing this bilateral agreement that was reached in July.

[1] https://japan.kantei.go.jp/104/statement/202510/28kaiken.html?

[Japan] Prime Minister Takaichi's policy speech and energy security vision

As of October 24, 2025, newly elected Prime Minister Takaichi delivered a policy speech at the 219th session of the Diet, covering national security, economics, food security, healthcare, energy security, and other areas. [1] Prime Minister Takaichi emphasized the need for a stable and affordable energy supply to maintain Japan’s competitiveness. She highlighted that nuclear power and perovskite solar cells are especially important. Furthermore, she stated the intention to maximize the use of carbon-free energy sources while “promoting energy conservation and fuel conversion through photonics-electronics convergence technology and other means.” Additionally, she mentioned that Japan will aim to achieve early implementation of next-generation innovative reactors and fusion energy. 

[1] https://www.kantei.go.jp/jp/104/statement/2025/1024shoshinhyomei.html

[Japan] Takaichi Sanae, newly elected leader of Japan’s ruling party, makes nuclear center-stage

As of October 4, 2025, Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) elected Takaichi Sanae as its new leader. [1] She has pushed to accelerate the development of advanced nuclear technologies and has previously called for making the country 100 percent energy self-sufficient by deploying next-generation reactors, such as small modular reactors (SMRs). She asserts that since fusion requires no uranium or plutonium and produces no high-level radioactive waste, while providing highly efficient power generation, it is worth focusing on. She is likely to prioritize nuclear energy to curb Japan’s carbon emissions. She has previously expressed concerns about solar power, opposing the installation of foreign-made solar panels on the land. Japan currently imports most of its solar modules from overseas. She has also expressed support for perovskite panels, next-generation solar films that are said to be more energy efficient and flexible.

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-SoqRh6sWM

[Japan] Shizen Energy reaches 100 MW in long-term PPA with Microsoft

As of October 3, 2025, Shizen Energy has reached 100 MW of executed Renewable Energy Purchase Agreements with Microsoft Corporation for four solar power projects in Japan. [1] After the initial Purchase Agreement for the Inuyama Solar Power Plant, three additional 20-year agreements have been signed. The new solar power plants are located in Kyushu and Chugoku regions, with the Kyushu plant having started operations. The other projects are under construction and will be operated by Shizen Operations Inc. Inuyama had been Microsoft’s first renewable energy purchase deal in Japan, which has enabled the growing presence of Renewable Power Purchase agreements in the Japanese market.

[1] https://www.shizenenergy.net/en/2025/10/03/seg_vppa_microsoft_100mw/

[Japan] NTT and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries achieved highest efficiency in laser wireless power transmission

As of September 17, 2025, NTT and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries conducted an optical wireless power transmission experiment using laser beam to wirelessly transmit energy 1 kilometer away. [1] This marks the world’s highest achieved efficiency in an optical wireless power transmission using a silicon photoelectric conversion element, in an environment with strong atmospheric turbulence. This demonstrates the feasibility of delivering power to long distances, a development with many potential applications to on-demand power transmission to remote islands and disaster-stricken areas. The experiment combined NTT’s beam shaping technology with MHI’s light receiving technology to improve efficiency. In this experiment, the average electrical power extracted from the receiving panel was 152 W, corresponding to a wireless power transmission efficiency of 15%.

[1] https://www.mhi.com/news/250917.html

[Japan] India-Japan cooperation expands to include semiconductors, clean energy and ICT

As of August 29, 2025, India and Japan have strengthened their Special Strategic and Global Partnership with an emphasis on semiconductors, clean energy, critical minerals, and economic security. [1] The two governments launched the India-Japan dialogue on economic security, which aims to address economic issues with energy security implications. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology of India and Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) signed a cooperation pact that has initiated several projects in these sectors. For example, a partnership between Japanese semiconductor manufacturer Renesas Electronics and Indian conglomerate CG Power has emerged to set up an Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) facility in Gujarat, India. Additionally, a new memorandum of cooperation has expanded collaboration on rare earths and critical minerals, boosting the mineral resources sector. The agreement builds on projects such as Toyota Tsusho’s refining initiative in Andhra Pradesh, India. Both countries are also coordinating through multilateral frameworks such as the Mineral Security Partnership and Quad Critical Minerals Initiatives. Clean energy has emerged as another focal point as India and Japan have signed a memorandum on the Joint Crediting Mechanism and a declaration on clean hydrogen and ammonia. They are also collaborating on battery supply chains and biofuel initiatives, supported by new lines of credit and investments in green projects.

[1] https://www.mea.gov.in/bilateral-documents.htm?dtl/40066/Fact+Sheet++IndiaJapan+Economic+Security+Cooperation

[Japan] Mitsubishi to withdraw from three offshore wind projects in Japan

As of August 27, 2025, Mitsubishi Corporation announced that, after reviewing business plans for three offshore wind projects in three coastal areas of Japan, it has decided not to proceed with development. [1] The withdrawal stems from concerns over profitability, as well as the business environment for offshore wind power. The release cites the pandemic and the “Ukraine crisis,” which have resulted in tight supply chains, inflation, fluctuating exchange rates, and rising interest rates. In 2021, projects were set to be operated in the Akita and Chiba prefectures, with a total projected capacity of 1.76 GW to be launched by 2030. Mitsubishi emphasizes that it continues to recognize offshore wind as an essential element of Japan’s energy mix. Of the three offshore wind auctions held in Japan, Mitsubishi-led groups won the first for the projects in Akita and Chiba.

[1] https://www.mitsubishicorp.com/jp/en/news/release/2025/20250827002.html

[Japan] Sharp Corporation signs MOU with Mitsui OSK Lines and AAR Japan to donate solar modules to Kenya

As of August 21, 2025, Sharp Corporation and Sharp Energy Solutions have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) regarding the donation of solar modules to support electrification-deficient areas in the Republic of Kenya. [1] This MOU is signed with Mitsui O.S.K Lines and Association for Aid and Relief, Japan (AAR Japan), in conjunction with the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development. The MOU states that the donated modules will be transported to Kenya by Mitsui and AAR Japan will support the on-site installation. The modules are for use in lighting, powering projectors and PCs for elementary schools. The project’s goal is to improve education in the region. Sharp has been promoting ESG-based management and this MOU aligns with this purpose.

[1] https://global.sharp/corporate/news/250821-c.html

[Japan] METI holds discussions on the decommissioning and future of TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station

As of August 4, 2025, METI conducted discussions with local residents and technical experts from within Japan and abroad at the 9th International Forum on the Decommissioning of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. [1] The forum was held under the auspices of the Nuclear Damage Compensation and Decommissioning Facilitation Corporation. The purposes of the forum included disseminating accurate information, promoting mutual understanding with local residents, and sharing the latest information and technical achievements regarding the decommissioning. A panel discussion provided an opportunity for local residents to engage in direct dialogue with those involved in the decommissioning work.

[1] https://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/2025/0804_001.html

[Japan] JOGMEC to join gallium production study in Australia

As of August 4, 2025, the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC) announced that it will take part in a joint study for gallium production in Australia in an effort to ensure a stable supply of the critical mineral used to make semiconductors. [1] The study will occur at an aluminum refinery operated by Alcoa of Australia Limited. JOGMEC partnered with Sojitz Corporation and formed Japan Australia Gallium Associates (JAGA), which signed an agreement with Alcoa. The study aims to assess the feasibility of extracting gallium, as a byproduct of alumina refining. The project seeks to establish a long-term gallium supply, with production targeted to start in 2026.

[1] https://www.jogmec.go.jp/english/news/release/news_08_00044.html

[Japan] Sempra and JERA enter into 20-year LNG supply deal

As of July 31, 2025, Sempra Infrastructure, a subsidiary of Sempra, and JERA announced a 20-year sale and purchase agreement for the supply of 1.5 million tons per annum (Mtpa) of liquified natural gas (LNG) offtake from the Port Arthur LNG Phase 2 development project in Jefferson County, Texas. [1] This agreement marks a step beyond the non-binding heads of agreement signed in June 2025. The proposed Port Arthur LNG Phase 2 project is under active development, with future phases in the early development stage. The project has received all its main permits. It is expected to include two liquefaction trains capable of producing about 13 Mtpa of LNG, which could increase the total liquefaction capacity of the Port Arthur facility from 13 to 26 Mtpa for Phase 1. The project received authorization from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in September 2023. In July 2024, Sempra announced that Bechtel had been selected for a fixed-price engineering, procurement, and construction contract for the project. The project also received authorization in May 2025 from the US Department of Energy to export US LNG to countries that do not have a free-trade agreement with the US. The project still requires completion of commercial agreements, securing more necessary permits, obtaining financing, and reaching a final investment decision.

[1] https://www.sempra.com/newsroom/press-releases/sempra-infrastructure-and-jera-announce-sale-and-purchase-agreement-us-lng

[Japan] KEPCO plans to build first new nuclear reactor since Fukushima

As of July 22, 2025, Kansai Electric Power (KEPCO) announced that it will begin surveys for the construction of a new nuclear power plant at its Mihama power station in Fukui prefecture, western Japan, to replace the existing facility. [1] marks Japan’s first concrete step towards building a new nuclear reactor since the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. The surveys would focus on topography, geology, and other studies to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. They will also include communications with the local community. KEPCO had been analyzing a successor to the Mihama No. 1 reactor since November 2010, but suspended the study after the 2011 disaster. In 2015, it decided to decommission the No. 1 and No. 2 reactors at Mihama.

[1] https://www.kepco.co.jp/english/corporate/ir/brief/pdf/2025_jul22_1.pdf

[Japan] GSSG Chikuden launches with US $400M commitment from Vision Ridge Partners

As of July 16, 2025, GSSG Chikuden LLC, a utility-scale battery storage developer focused on the Japanese power market announced its launch today after receiving $400 million commitment from sustainable real assets investor Vision Ridge Partners. [1] GSSG Chikuden intends to use the investment to support its development, construction, and operation of utility-scale battery energy storage systems (“BESS”) across Japan’s power grid. The new company is a joint venture between Vision Ridge and Asia-focused solar-plus-storage investor GSSG Solar LLC, which has committed capital too, and will operate the business. GSSG Chikuden launches with an existing pipeline of development projects with secured grid interconnection rights, and plans to acquire more projects to expand its reach. GSSG Chikuden primarily seeks to accelerate the Japanese energy transition through development, construction, and operation of utility-scale BESS.

[1] https://gssgsolar.com/gssg-chikuden-launches/

[Japan] First shipment of LNG from Mitsubishi’s LNG Canada Project

As of July 1, 2025, Mitsubishi Corporation (MC) announced that the LNG Canada Project has shipped its first LNG cargo as of June 30th 2025. The project is Canada’s first large-scale LNG project with a production capacity of 14 million tons per annum (mtpa). [1] MC will offtake 15% of the LNG produced and supply it to customers across Asia, with the primary destination being Japan, through its wholly-owned LNG marketing subsidiary Diamond Gas International. Since Canada has abundant natural gas reserves as well as geographic proximity to Asia, Canada is expected to help ensure a stable energy supply to Asia. MC and its partners are also exploring opportunities of doubling the project’s LNG production capacity.

[1] https://www.mitsubishicorp.com/jp/en/news/release/2025/20250701001.html

[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/