JERA signals interest in Alaska LNG as global buyers head north for talks in Anchorage

Japan’s largest liquefied natural gas importer, JERA Co., has indicated interest in buying LNG from the Alaska LNG project.

The news, first reported by Bloomberg, was leaked just before private companies and government officials head to Alaska for a week of energy talks and possible deals, as well as a summit roundtable meeting with Sen. Dan Sullivan.

JERA, also the largest power producer in Japan, has submitted its written expression of interest, which is particularly notable as the company is among the world’s most influential LNG buyers and often serves as a bellwether for broader demand trends in Asia.

The company’s decision to explore a deal with Alaska adds weight to the state’s hopes of becoming a new player in global LNG markets amid shifting geopolitical dynamics and growing demand for stable energy supplies in East Asia. Already, Thailand and India are said to be interested in purchasing and Alaska LNG.

The Alaska LNG project, which includes a gas treatment plant on the North Slope, an 800-mile pipeline to Southcentral Alaska, and a liquefaction and export facility in Nikiski, has been a stop-and-go project for over a decade. The company that is now the majority owner of the project, Glenfarne, is now entering the front-end engineering and design phase of the project, the last step before a final investment decision.

Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy and other state leaders have emphasized the importance of the LNG project as a means of diversifying Alaska’s economy and providing long-term revenue streams beyond oil.

Global energy leaders, policy experts, and investors from across four continents will convene in Anchorage next week for the 2025 Alaska Sustainable Energy Conference, a major summit hosted by Gov. Dunleavy. Now in its fourth year, the event has grown into one of the most significant forums for discussing the future of sustainable energy in the Arctic and beyond.

The weeklong gathering will feature participants from at least 10 countries and a wide range of sectors, from traditional oil and gas to advanced nuclear, digital infrastructure, and renewable technologies. Sessions will explore the policy, investment, and innovation needed to power the global energy transition—while also spotlighting Alaska’s strategic role in that evolution.

Governor’s Energy Cabinet Lunch: Gov. Dunleavy will host a high-level lunch featuring three key federal officials — Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin — who are expected to share perspectives on federal-state cooperation and national energy priorities.

Keynote Address by Alex Epstein: Best-selling author and founder of the Center for Industrial Progress, Alex Epstein, will deliver a keynote speech. Epstein is widely known for his controversial but influential views on the moral case for fossil fuels in the context of modern energy policy.

Global LNG Spotlight – Glenfarne Presentation: Gov. Dunleavy will introduce Brendan Duval, CEO of Glenfarne Group, in a dedicated session focused on the company’s global LNG strategy and interest in Alaskan energy assets.

Nuclear Energy Panel: A featured session titled “From Development to Deployment: Public Policy and Private Sector Drivers for Advanced Nuclear Energy” will bring together representatives from the Nuclear Energy Institute, BWXT Advanced Technologies, Westinghouse, and Radiant. The discussion will center on how emerging nuclear technologies can complement Alaska’s remote energy needs and bolster US energy security.

Data Infrastructure and Energy Demand: Leaders from DigitalBridge and Corley Energy will speak on “The Intersection of Data and Energy Demand,” addressing the surging power requirements of data centers and the role of sustainable energy in powering the digital economy.

The conference is expected to generate a lot of dialogue around energy innovation, Alaska’s resource potential, and the strategic decisions shaping energy futures worldwide.

The Alaska Sustainable Energy Conference will take place in downtown Anchorage, with sessions open to registered attendees and media coverage throughout the week.

US Senator Dan Sullivan will lead a roundtable discussion with Interior Secretary and National Energy Dominance Council Chair Doug Burgum, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, Environmental Protection AgencyAdministrator Lee Zeldin, Gov. Mike Dunleavy and Sen. Lisa Murkowski, along with representatives from Alaska’s resource development sectors and trade unions, on Sunday, June 1 at 9:30 am. The roundtable will focus on implementation of President Trump’s Executive Order 14153, “Unleashing Alaska’s Extraordinary Resource Potential,” and the opportunities and unique challenges in responsibly developing Alaska’s natural resources.