Japan’s power firm and LNG trader, Jera, established a think tank on January 1 to strengthen its intelligence capabilities relating to domestic and international energy trends.
The joint venture of Tokyo Electric and Chubu Electric said in a statement on Monday that the Jera Global Institute think tank institute had begun its activities.
According to Jera, changes such as decarbonization initiatives, measures to strengthen economic security, and heightened geopolitical risk are underway both domestically and internationally, leading to an environment of growing uncertainty for the energy sector.
“To accurately grasp the influence such changes will have on industrial structure and on energy supply and demand, and to facilitate a swift response, we have fortified our internal systems to enable broader and deeper research and analysis of both the current and future business environment,” Jera said.
Focusing on the energy and environmental sectors both globally and in key regions such as Japan, the US, Europe, and Asia, the institute will cover a wide range of topics including macroeconomics, politics and policy, major industries, markets, technological advancements, social trends, and geopolitical risks.
“In doing so, it will point the way toward developing an optimal platform for supplying clean energy and, as a think tank for an energy company that sustains public infrastructure, contribute to society through Jera’s projects,” the company said.
Last year, Jera said it plans to invest 1-2 trillion yen ($6.34-$12.7 billion) in its LNG business by fiscal 2035.
Jera targets more than 35 million tons of LNG transaction volume.
In the meantime, the company also continues to invest in new LNG power plants.
Jera recently joined forces with compatriot Toho Gas to build two new LNG-fueled units at its Chita thermal power station in the Aichi prefecture.