Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and GE Vernova officially launched a pioneering focus group on June 10. This initiative, announced at a ceremony in Tokyo, aims to deepen collaboration between the two entities, specifically addressing critical challenges and opportunities within the energy sector.

This new focus group aligns seamlessly with the broader Japan-US energy policy, building upon existing strong bilateral relations to further solidify cooperation in strengthening the energy sector. The platform will serve as a dedicated forum for GE Vernova and METI to engage in critical discussions and collaborative efforts across several key themes pertinent to Japan’s evolving energy landscape. These include enhancing energy security in wind power, driving innovation in gas turbines through the utilization of hydrogen, ammonia, and Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technologies, and exploring new opportunities in electrification and nuclear energy.

GE Vernova announced the signing of two pivotal Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) during the launch ceremony:

•             Collaboration with Eurus Energy Holdings Corporation: This MOU focuses on exploring opportunities under the GX (Green Transformation) Industrial Location in northern Hokkaido. The collaboration will leverage GE Vernova’s onshore wind turbines to meet the power demands of data centers, thereby accelerating the adoption of renewable energy in the region.

•             Collaboration with Mitsubishi Electric Corporation’s Semiconductor Business: This agreement centers on the supply of Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors (IGBTs) for GE Vernova’s High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) projects. This partnership is poised to support advanced electrification solutions and contribute to grid modernization efforts globally.

Shinichi Kihara, Director-General for Energy and Environmental Policy, METI, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “We welcome the opportunity to play a vital role in the advancement of the global energy sector in partnership with GE Vernova, a leading U.S. energy company with deep roots in Japan. This focus group, a testament to positive Japan-US bilateral ties, and the MOUs with our national champions Eurus Energy and Mitsubishi Electric, will serve as a powerful platform to drive innovation and strengthen our energy resilience for the future.”

Roger Martella, Chief Corporate Officer and Chief Sustainability Officer, GE Vernova, echoed this sentiment, “With the launch of this first-of-its-kind focus group alongside METI, we are taking decisive action toward addressing the challenges facing the global energy sector. Our strong, ongoing relationships with Eurus Energy and Mitsubishi Electric are a step further in this endeavor, as we jointly explore the vast potential of onshore wind and electrification as key areas of focus. This collaboration is aligned with Japan’s 2050 net-zero goals.”