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Japan’s LNG outlook gets ministerial boost

The country's new environment minister has spoken out against the use of nuclear and coal-fired power generation, which could indicate more-rapid growth in the country’s LNG demand The country's new environment minister has spoken out against the use of nuclear and coal-fired power generation, which could indicate more-rapid growth in the country’s LNG demand.
By Sally Bogle Yesterday Asia Pacific / LNG 0 34593
Japanese Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi (right) with the governor of Fukushima prefecture, Masao Uchibori. (PA)

An emerging anti-nuclear sentiment in the Japanese government could result in the nation shutting down its reactors sooner than expected, meaning Japan’s demand for LNG imports may grow more rapidly.

Newly appointed Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi – the son of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi – looks to be taking a harder line on nuclear power than others in the cabinet, stating this week that Japan’s reactor fleet should be shut down to guard against another Fukushima-style accident.

Koizumi – who is keen to make climate change...