Mitsui Seeks LNG Investments for Data Center Power Demand
Mitsui, Japan's fourth-largest trading house, is seeking investment opportunities in liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects across the Middle East, the U.S., and Australia to meet growing power demand from data centers. The company's CEO, Kenichi Hori, told Bloomberg News that Mitsui will consider taking equity stakes or securing supply agreements in LNG and gas chemicals firms.
Hori pointed out that demand for LNG is increasing rapidly as companies seek clean energy sources to power AI infrastructure. Mitsui has already signed a long-term agreement with Venture Global to supply 1.0 million metric tons per annum of LNG, and it also partners with Woodside in Australia's North West Shelf project.
The company's interest in the Abu Dhabi National Oil Co's Ruwais LNG export facility will likely be a key area of focus for Mitsui as it looks to expand its presence in the region. Hori emphasized that Mitsui wants to 'capture upside opportunities in the energy sector while remaining cautious.'