Smith and Jean Secure Energy Deal with Japan at CERAWeek

Premier Danielle Smith and Minister of Energy Brian Jean are in Houston for CERAWeek, one of the world’s most significant energy conferences. The event opened on Monday with a potentially promising development for Alberta’s energy sector as U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright suggested that oil and gas could be exempt from American trade tariffs.

While the news is encouraging, Alberta is not taking any chances and continues to expand its global trade partnerships.

In a move to secure new markets, Premier Smith and Minister Jean signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC). The agreement aims to deepen cooperation between Alberta and Japan in oil, natural gas, hydrogen, and ammonia exports while advancing carbon capture and emissions reduction technologies.

“JOGMEC has been one of our province’s most significant and long-standing partners in Asia and over the years has played a key role in supporting Japanese investment in our energy sector,” said Premier Smith. “Through this agreement, Alberta looks forward to building on our long history of friendship to advance our mutual priorities and work together to secure Alberta and Japan’s energy future.”

JOGMEC Chairman and CEO Ichiro Takahara also spoke of Alberta’s role as a key supplier of energy resources, including its potential in hydrogen and ammonia production. “Through this MOU, JOGMEC will further deepen its cooperative relationship with the Province of Alberta and contribute to the stable supply of energy and resources to Japan and the realization of a carbon-neutral society,” he said.

Alberta has a long-standing trade relationship with Japan. In 2024, bilateral trade between Alberta and Japan exceeded $3 billion, with Japan ranking as Alberta’s third-largest export market. Energy exports accounted for nearly one third of that total.

The government sees this renewed agreement as both an opportunity to strengthen an existing partnership and a hedge against potential U.S. trade policy shifts.

Minister Jean reinforced Alberta’s commitment to broadening its energy trade network. “We have an opportunity to supply Japan with the most ethically produced oil and gas on the planet to aid in their economy and shift to low-carbon electricity production while we continue to grow our international energy exports.”