LNG seen as big winner from nuclear decline in Japan

Japan’s decision last week to remove nuclear energy from the country’s fuel mix by 2040, is set to significantly increase the country’s short-term demand for fossil fuels, especially liquefied natural gas, say analysts

After much speculation, Japan's prime minister, Yoshihiko Noda, announced last Friday the government's plan to shut down all 50 of Japan's nuclear reactors by 2040, ending the country's reliance upon nuclear energy. Prior to the announcement, other options that were considered included a 20–25% target or a 15% target for the proportion of nuclear energy within the overall fuel mix. By abandoning those options, experts say Japan has effectively increased its short-term reliance upon liquefied