Nuclear not threat to JERA's PH LNG

Transition energy giant JERA Co. Inc. sees the growing openness of multilateral development banks (MDBs) to finance nuclear power as complementary—not a threat—to its liquefied natural gas (LNG) business, as both technologies can play distinct roles in helping developing countries like the Philippines manage the “energy trilemma” of security, affordability, and sustainability, according to a top official.

- BEN ARNOLD DE VERA

JERA Asia Pte. Ltd. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Izumi Kai told visiting Filipino journalists on Thursday, Nov. 27, that while nuclear energy is not currently within the Japanese power firm's portfolio, its role in Asia’s long-term energy mix is understandable, especially as nations look for stable, zero-emission baseload options amid ongoing pressure to reduce coal dependence.

“Nuclear is not JERA’s business so far, but nuclear is important in some countries,” Kai said.