EU faces tough task following Japan LNG model
The bloc may find it very difficult to replicate Japan’s approach due to fundamental differences in policy and markets
The EU has examined the so-called 'Japan model' for LNG procurement, which is based on long-term contracts, strong government-industry coordination and investments in supply projects. However, the bloc may find it very difficult to replicate Japan’s approach due to fundamental differences in policy and the markets. Japan, with limited domestic gas resources and no feasible cross-border pipeline projects, began integrating LNG heavily into its energy mix in the 1970s, spurred by the 1973 oil crisis. Today, LNG accounts for about a third of Japan’s electricity generation. The Japanese procurement model involves several key pillars. First, it prioritises long-term contracts with a diverse set
Also in this section
17 February 2026
The 25th WPC Energy Congress, taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from 26–30 April 2026, will bring together leaders from the political, industrial, financial and technology sectors under the unifying theme “Pathways to an Energy Future for All”
17 February 2026
Siemens Energy has been active in the Kingdom for nearly a century, evolving over that time from a project-based foreign supplier to a locally operating multi-national company with its own domestic supply chain and workforce
17 February 2026
Eni’s chief operating officer for global natural resources, Guido Brusco, takes stock of the company’s key achievements over the past year, and what differentiates its strategy from those of its peers in the LNG sector and beyond
16 February 2026
As the third wave of global LNG arrives, Wood Mackenzie’s director for Europe gas and LNG, Tom Marzec-Manser, discusses with Petroleum Economist the outlook for Europe’s gas market in 2026
