Japan’s METI and GE Vernova launch joint focus group to bolster energy security and innovation

GE Vernova and Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) announced the launch of a first-of-its-kind focus group aimed at addressing challenges and opportunities and deepening collaboration in energy security and supply chain. The initiative was announced at a launch ceremony attended by METI’s Director-General for Energy and Environmental Policy, Shinichi Kihara, and GE Vernova’s Chief Corporate Officer and Chief Sustainability Officer, Roger Martella, witnessed by the State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Yuichiro Koga.

This significant initiative aligns with Japan-US energy policy, building upon current’ relations, to further solidify cooperation between the two nations to strengthen the energy sector. The focus group will serve as a dedicated platform for GE Vernova and METI to engage on key themes crucial to Japan’s energy landscape, which include energy security in wind power; innovation in gas turbines utilizing hydrogen, ammonia, and Carbon Capture and Storage; and opportunities in electrification and nuclear energy.

The focus group will also endeavor to deepen collaboration between GE Vernova and Japanese companies in the energy sector. As part of the launch, GE Vernova signed the following Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with leading Japanese companies:

Collaboration with Eurus Energy Holdings Corporation to explore opportunities under the GX (Green Transformation) Industrial Location in northern Hokkaido, utilizing GE Vernova’s onshore wind turbines for data center power needs and accelerate renewable energy adoption.

Collaboration with Mitsubishi Electric Corporation’s Semiconductor Business to supply Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors (IGBTs) for GE Vernova’s High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) projects —supporting advanced electrification solutions and grid modernization worldwide.

“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”, said Mr. Shinichi Kihara, Director-General for Energy and Environmental Policy, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

"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, and we are committed to delivering tangible progress in energy security and innovation across the energy value chain globally, through the development of breakthrough innovations like hydrogen, ammonia, advanced nuclear, and carbon capture technologies”, said Roger Martella, Chief Corporate Officer and Chief Sustainability Officer, GE Vernova.

GE Vernova has a long-standing presence in Japan, spanning over 130 years, and remains a key partner in the nation’s decarbonization journey. With approximately 450 employees in Japan, GE Vernova and its technologies contribute significantly to Japan’s stable power supply, accounting for around 50% of the country’s installed Heavy-Duty Gas Turbine power generation capacity and 25% of the country’s onshore wind capacity through its gas turbines, steam turbines, nuclear power, and wind turbines. All of GE Vernova’s business segments – Power, Wind, and Electrification – have a strong footprint in the country, positioning the company to optimize Japan’s energy system with holistic solutions across the entire energy value chain. 

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