Japan, Mozambique to sign natural gas memorandum

Japan and Mozambique are set to exchange a memorandum on technical cooperation in producing natural gas in the southern African country. Mozambique discovered a large gas field last year with potential deposits equivalent to 15 years of Japanese imports. Additional gas fields have been discovered there. But lack of technology is preventing the country from fully tapping the resources, according to Japan’s (NHK WORLD) website. Under the memorandum, Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation will provide a long-term training program for government officials to transfer technology on exploring for deposits and drilling wells. With most of its nuclear plants shut down, Japan is buying more liquefied natural gas for thermal power plants. Japan hopes the memorandum will help expand areas of cooperation and lead to a stable supply of liquefied natural gas from Mozambique.