Six LNG projects in the U.S. secured agreements with JERA for the sale of up to 5.5 MMtpa over 20 years to the Japanese power utility.
JERA finalized a sale and purchase agreement (SPA) with NextDecade Corp. for approximately 2 MMtpa from Rio Grande LNG in Brownsville, Texas, specifically for train 5. The project’s first three trains are under construction, with a final investment decision (FID) pending for trains 4 and 5. Rio Grande LNG holds permits for exports to both free trade agreement (FTA) and non-FTA countries.
Another SPA secures about 1 MMtpa from Kimmeridge’s Commonwealth LNG in Calcasieu Pass, Louisiana. In February 2025, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) issued a conditional non-FTA export permit. Kimmeridge anticipates an FID in Q3 2025, with production starting in 2029. JERA also signed an SPA for 1 MMtpa from Venture Global’s CP2 LNG in Cameron Parish, Louisiana, which began site work after Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approval. The DOE granted a conditional non-FTA permit in March 2025, following FTA approval in April 2022.
Additionally, JERA entered heads of agreement with Sempra’s Port Arthur LNG phase 2 in Jefferson County, Texas, for 1.5 MMtpa. The DOE issued a non-FTA permit in late 2024. JERA also signed heads of agreement with Cheniere Energy’s Corpus Christi LNG, where train 3 was recently commissioned, and Sabine Pass LNG, operational since 2016 with planned expansions awaiting FID.
JERA stated: “The Agreements broaden JERA group’s LNG portfolio and allow JERA Global Markets - the exclusive LNG optimizer and market access provider to JERA - to use its proven capability to better match supply-demand fluctuations, enhance cost competitiveness, and strengthen LNG supply stability across Asia in support of broader energy transition efforts.”
Yukio Kani, JERA Global chief executive and chair: “After more than 15 months of strategic evaluation and commercial engagement, we are pleased to finalize the Agreements with U.S. suppliers, which offer unique flexibility and reliability - essential elements in our diversification strategy.”
The agreements are expected to contribute $200 billion to U.S. GDP and sustain 50,000 jobs annually, per S&P Global analysis, while supporting Japan’s energy security and sustainable economic growth.
