TOKYO: Japanese industry minister Koichi Hagiuda asked his US and Australian counterparts on Wednesday for the two countries to boost their liquefied natural gas production, in efforts to reduce energy dependency on Russia.

Hagiuda had bilateral talks with the US and Australian ministers on the sidelines of the first-ever energy ministers’ meeting, held in Sydney, under the Quad framework, which brings together Japan, the United States, Australia and India.

At an online press conference after the meeting, Hagiuda stressed that the importance of LNG imports from countries sharing values with Japan, such as the United States and Australia, is growing.

Hagiuda said the US and Australian sides showed understanding for the situation surrounding Japan, following its request for LNG output increases.

Meanwhile, the participants in the Quad meeting agreed to speed up the development of technologies to promote the use of hydrogen and ammonia, both of which do not emit carbon dioxide when burned, in a bid to achieve a decarbonized society, according to Japan’s industry ministry.

The Quad ministers confirmed that their countries will work together to develop supply chains for hydrogen and ammonia, as well as reduce procurement costs.

They also acknowledged the importance of deepening their countries’ cooperation on carbon capture, usage and storage, or CCUS, technology.

With Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in mind, the participants agreed that ensuring energy security is necessary.

However, they did not go into detail on ways to reduce their dependence on Russia for energy.

As dependency on Russia differs from country to country, Hagiuda told the press conference that the participants agreed that their countries will work on what they can while cooperating with the rest of the international community.

JIJI Press