Japan and the United States held the third annual U.S.-Japan Energy Security Dialogue (ESD) on December 12, 2024, in Tokyo. The meeting was led by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Director General KIHARA Shinichi and Ministry of Foreign Affairs Economic Affairs Bureau Director General KATAHIRA Satoshi, along with U.S. Department of State Assistant Secretary for Energy Resources Geoffrey Pyatt. The dialogue focused on deepening bilateral cooperation to strengthen energy security, accelerate the clean energy transition, and diversify supply chains for critical minerals and clean energy technologies.
The two nations also expressed grave concern over the continued attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, which has been a key target of Russian aggression since October 2022. The United States and Japan reaffirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s illegal war, emphasizing the importance of energy security and stability amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions. Both countries underscored the need for a stable and predictable energy market and their shared commitment to energy security as critical partners in the global energy transition.
Commitment to Clean Energy and Global Methane Pledge
The United States and Japan reaffirmed their commitment to addressing the climate crisis, which they described as “the existential challenge of our time.” Both nations recognized that achieving net-zero emissions while fostering economic growth and energy security is a dual priority. The dialogue emphasized the complementary roles of Japan’s Green Transformation (GX) Promotion Act and the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act, both of which drive the decarbonization of their economies and spur clean energy innovation.
In this context, both countries reiterated their commitment to the Global Methane Pledge (GMP) and recognized the importance of minimizing methane and CO2 emissions from the fossil energy sector. They welcomed the successful outcome of the LNG Producer-Consumer Conference 2024 (LNGPCC2024) in Hiroshima, Japan, which contributed to advancing global methane reduction goals. Additionally, both governments lauded the expansion of the CLEAN (Coalition for LNG Emission Abatement toward Net-zero) initiative, noting its significance in providing transparent data for global methane emissions.
Enhancing Clean Energy Technologies and Resilient Supply Chains
The U.S. and Japan are committed to driving innovation in clean energy technologies. They emphasized cooperation on emerging energy solutions such as floating offshore wind, clean hydrogen (including ammonia), e-fuels, e-methane, carbon capture and storage, and advanced nuclear reactors, including small modular reactors (SMRs). Both sides agreed to explore further opportunities for collaboration to accelerate the deployment of these technologies and strengthen secure, diversified clean energy supply chains.
In particular, the two countries highlighted the importance of critical minerals for the clean energy transition. Through the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP), Japan and the United States are focused on enhancing supply chain resilience, especially in the face of potential disruptions caused by export control measures on critical minerals. The dialogue underscored the value of recycling and circular economies, particularly in e-scrap, as part of efforts to secure the sustainable supply of critical materials.
Regional Cooperation and Global Energy Security
Japan and the United States also discussed their ongoing cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly through initiatives like the Japan-U.S. Mekong Power Partnership (JUMPP). Over the past five years, JUMPP has contributed significantly to clean energy integration and regional interconnectivity in Southeast Asia, with particular focus on Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam. Both countries highlighted the partnership’s success in renewable energy deployment, market development, and regulatory improvements. The JUMPP Accomplishments Report was also shared, celebrating the partnership’s achievements.
With the growing global demand for firm, clean electricity—especially with the rise of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies—Japan and the United States expressed their commitment to increasing civil nuclear cooperation in third markets. This includes expanding the U.S. Department of State’s Foundational Infrastructure for the Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST) Program, which supports nuclear energy capacity building, feasibility studies, and engineering work under the highest standards of nuclear safety, security, and nonproliferation.
Looking Ahead: 2025 and Beyond
Both nations concluded the dialogue by emphasizing the immense value of their partnership in advancing energy security. They reaffirmed their intention to meet again at a senior level in 2025 to continue their productive discussions and cooperation across energy security and climate change mitigation.
The third annual U.S.-Japan Energy Security Dialogue reinforced the longstanding and deepening energy partnership between the two countries, as they work together to address pressing global energy challenges, promote sustainable development, and strengthen resilience in the face of an evolving energy landscape.