This reports on the results of the 41st Japan-Australia Energy and Resource Dialogue conducted by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) in Canberra, Australia on August 14.
Overview of the Dialogue Implementation
Mr. Ueno, International Resource and Energy Strategy Coordination Director at the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy, and Mr. Wakuda, Director of the Resources and Fuel Department, held policy dialogue based on the "Memorandum of Cooperation in the Field of Energy and Mineral Resources" (June 2019) with officials from Australia's Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Department of Industry, Science and Resources, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Department of the Treasury. This dialogue is positioned as an important diplomatic platform for comprehensive discussions on both countries' energy policies and future cooperation possibilities.
Main Discussion Topics
The dialogue featured detailed information exchange on both countries' energy resources and net-zero policies and investment environments in the fields of LNG, coal, renewable energy, and critical minerals within bilateral and multilateral frameworks. Particularly regarding LNG, as Japan is the world's largest importer and Australia is a major supplier, cooperation measures toward stable supply and price stabilization were examined.
Critical Minerals and Energy Transition
In the critical minerals field, discussions covered stable supply of mineral resources essential for decarbonization and energy transition, including lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements. Australia possesses abundant mineral resources and is a strategically important partner for Japan's energy security and maintaining industrial competitiveness. Both countries confirmed cooperation toward strengthening supply chains and building stable supply systems.
Cooperation for Achieving Net Zero by 2050
Both countries exchanged views on future cooperation possibilities that contribute to achieving net zero by 2050. Technology cooperation and investment promotion for decarbonization became major agenda items, including expansion of renewable energy adoption, development of new energy technologies such as hydrogen and ammonia, and practical implementation of CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage) technology.
The article demonstrates the deepening of strategic partnership between Japan and Australia in the energy and resources field and their joint efforts toward global climate change countermeasures.