Tokyo, 29 September 2022: In response to the dramatic shift in the global energy landscape in 2022, a conference focused on the potential of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) market and the steps to be taken to mitigate climate change and ensure reliable energy supply. Reorganizing LNG for World Energy Security, the 11th LNG Producer–Consumer Conference, hosted by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) and the Asia Pacific Energy Research Centre, was held virtually. The conference was a component of Tokyo GX Week, a series of intensive international energy and environment conferences that strive to realise green transformation that leads to decarbonisation and economic development and growth. More than 25 ministers and 50 heads of companies and international organisations contributed video messages.

H.E. Yasutoshi Nishimura, METI Minister, and H.E. Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, the State of Qatar’s Minister of State for Energy Affairs, delivered the opening remarks. Calling the conference a fresh start, Minister Nishimura expressed optimism that it would lead to sustainable global supplies of energy by encouraging collaboration and to overcoming the LNG and natural gas crisis. Minister Al-Kaabi said that LNG is a key part and a major driving force of a responsible and realistic energy transition.

Dr Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency, highlighted the global energy crisis and analysed the market for LNG and natural gas.

Prof Hidetoshi Nishimura, President of the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) said that investment must be made in upstream processing of LNG. He pointed out that the LNG conference is crucial in sending a strong message about the need for new gas investments. He cited ERIA’s Group of Twenty (G20) Parallel Event Workshop on 29 August 2022 to discuss possible solutions to the global gas crisis.

Public financial institutions and leading global companies involved in LNG presented and discussed the significance of upstream investment in LNG and natural gas, as well as their importance in maintaining a stable energy supply and energy security. The conference closed with remarks from Mr Sadamitsu Yuki, Director-General of the Natural Resources and Fuel Department, Agency for Natural Resources and Energy, METI.