Nishimura Focuses On Securing Japan's Energy
Japan's industry minister Nishimura Yasutoshi says he intends to do everything possible to ensure that the country has a stable energy supply.
Nishimura spoke to reporters on Tuesday after Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and relevant ministers met to discuss Russia's invasion of Ukraine. On Wednesday, it will be six months since the invasion began.
Nishimura said he briefed the situation in Sakhalin and that Kishida instructed him to make an all-out effort to ensure a stable supply of energy.
The industry minister referred to whether two major Japanese trading houses would sign contracts with a newly established Russian company that is taking over the Sakhalin-2 oil and gas project.
He said the Russians are asking the trading houses to respond by September 4 and he believes the Japanese firms are considering how they will decide. He said the government will firmly communicate with the trading houses.
Nishimura said he intends to pursue options including nuclear power and renewable energy as well as thermal power to secure enough energy, which is expected to be tight this winter.