The emerging energy axis takes shape
Liquified natural gas from Australia is central to Japanese plans to reinforce its energy security
AUSTRALIA's upstream gas remains a priority for Japanese investment as the Asian-Pacific nation takes steps to become a major LNG trading hub. This is true despite a drop in demand in Japan, and the supply glut is only making the case stronger. In recent years Japanese utilities have taken stakes in LNG-export facilities in Australia, a move that has given them access to a diverse portfolio of assets and contracts. Together, Japanese companies have contracted to buy over 42m tonnes a year of LNG. Japanese group Inpex has pioneered the largest project-financed LNG export project in history. Ichthys, with France's Total as partner, will become a central supply point for Australian LNG into Jap
Also in this section
16 April 2026
Demand for oil is falling because supply cannot meet it, not because it is no longer required
16 April 2026
The continent has an immediate opportunity to make the most of its energy resources by capturing gas that is currently slipping away
15 April 2026
The continent is seeing political pushback to climate plans, corporate reassessment of transition goals and rising supply risk in a fractured global order
15 April 2026
The Middle East energy crisis may turn out to be pivotal to the industry’s long-term expansion, but significant challenges still stand in its way
