Gov. Bill Walker signed an agreement Tuesday to share information and cooperate with a Japanese company examining options for natural gas exports, saying it meets the needs of Alaska and potential consumers in Japan.
"Our need is for markets, their need is for supply," Walker said at a noon press conference. "It's the first step of what could be a long relationship."
The agreement with Resources Energy Inc. includes few specifics. There are pledges by REI to share nonconfidential information with the state and cooperate on marketing, financing, ownership, development of gas supplies and transportation. A previous memorandum of understanding with the company was signed by the former Department of Natural Resources commissioner, not the governor, Walker said.
?Walker said the agreement does not conflict with anything the state has done with the major oil companies for potential development of a liquefied natural gas project. He said he is willing to work with any company that sees an opportunity and can help Alaska.
?"This administration will always be open and welcome to market interests in Alaska," said Walker.
REI began looking seriously at Alaska gas following the 2011 Fukushima earthquake, which led to many Japanese entities looking for LNG supplies to replace nuclear power plants. The company hopes to develop some exports from the Cook Inlet area as a start and follow that with North Slope development.