British Columbia Renews LNG MoU with JOGMEC

British Columbia (BC) and Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC) have renewed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on energy cooperation and development.

The agreement was signed by Premier Christy Clark and JOGMEC president Keisuke Kuroki, government of BC said on Monday. From May 23-31, 2016, Premier Clark lead a trade mission to South Korea, the Philippines and Japan.

The government of BC believes the agreement will strengthen its ties with JOGMEC, which has made a number of investments in BC’s natural gas and LNG sectors.

“Strengthening our province’s relationship with Japan, the world’s largest importer of LNG, is key to the success of BC’s LNG sector,” Premier Clark said. “Our province is committed to developing this industry and exploring other valued-added uses for natural gas. By working together, B.C. will be a strong ally for Japan as it continues to diversify its energy portfolio.”

JOGMEC has an equity position in four LNG and natural gas projects currently under development in B.C. – the Cordova Embayment, the Cutbank Ridge Partnership, Pacific NorthWest LNG and Aurora LNG.

In Japan, Premier Clark met with the following companies: Mitsubishi, a joint stakeholder in LNG Canada with Shell, PetroChina and Korea Gas Corporation (KOGAS); and Japan Petroleum Exploration Company (JAPEX) to discuss its partnership in the Pacific NorthWest LNG project.