News and analysis about Japan’s foreign relations in the energy sector are often dominated by partnerships and deals with Australia, China, Qatar, the U.S., and UAE. Rarely does the bilateral relationship between Japan and Singapore garner much attention.

But these two countries, despite their differences, have developed a potent tandem that’s driving developments in regional and global energy markets in ways that don’t always grab headlines. While energy deals between the two countries don’t register in billion-dollar figures – as they do with Australia and the U.S. – Tokyo’s relationship with Singapore is a cornerstone of regional energy cooperation and development in East Asia.

Despite contrasting geographic profiles, both nations are resource-scarce and function with trade-dependent economies. As well as becoming energy hubs, Japan and Singapore also share a deep dependence on thermal power plants and, hitherto, a strong reliance on natural gas. Today, however, they are united in exploring alternatives in hydrogen, battery energy storage, and pioneering the energy transition in the region.

Japan’s technological prowess in CCS, hydrogen, and renewables complements Singapore’s financial, trading and logistical strengths. Japan NRG explores their collaborative efforts in a number of sectors and the impact across the Asia Pacific.