Import volume of LNG Japan FY 2015-2019

In the fiscal year 2019, the total import volume of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Japan amounted to approximately 76.5 million metric tons. In more recent years, figures indicated a decrease as Japan aimed to diversify its energy mix.

LNG production and emissions

LNG is produced by decreasing the temperature of natural gas to around minus 162 degrees. In its liquid state, it can be transported and stored more easily since its volume is about 600 times less than natural gas. Compared to other fossil fuels such as petroleum and coal, LNG has the lowest carbon dioxide emissions per unit of energy. Nevertheless, emissions arise during combustion, production, and transportation. The domestic natural gas and LNG production in Japan remains low compared to the annual import volume. Since the archipelago lacks domestic reserves of fossil fuels, it is highly dependent on imports.

LNG imports

Reaching almost 23 percent of the share of primary energy supply, natural gas and LNG were the third largest energy sources, following petroleum and coal. After the nuclear disaster in 2011, nuclear energy was replaced by fossil fuels, resulting in a higher demand of LNG. In 2019, Japan had the leading LNG import market share worldwide and represented the world's largest importer of LNG. Australia continued to be the largest LNG supplier for Japan, constituting the largest share of import value of LNG. In more recent years, figures indicate a decrease of the LNG import volume to Japan. To be more independent of fossil fuel imports and related supply insecurities as well as to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the country aimed to increase its renewable and nuclear energy share.