U.S. Energy Strategy in Asia Focuses on LNG, Nuclear Power, Trade and AI Cooperation
By Suman Munshi | IBG NEWS
New Delhi, September 14, 2026: The United States is seeking to deepen energy and technology cooperation across the Asia-Pacific by expanding American energy exports, strengthening infrastructure partnerships and promoting nuclear and artificial-intelligence cooperation, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy James P. Danly said during a virtual press briefing hosted by the U.S. Department of State’s Asia Pacific Media Hub.
Danly, speaking from Bangkok while attending the Gastech Conference, said the Trump administration’s energy policy is centred on expanding domestic production while making U.S. energy resources available to allies and partners through commercially viable and mutually beneficial arrangements.
Taiwan and Indonesia Highlighted in U.S. Energy Outreach
Addressing a question about Taiwan, Danly said the United States views the island as one of several economies that can access American energy supplies on commercial terms. He pointed to Taiwan’s long-term LNG agreement with Cheniere as an example of continuing U.S.-Taiwan energy trade.
On Indonesia, Danly said Washington has maintained longstanding engagement with Indonesia’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources. He also questioned the effective contribution of a proposed 100-gigawatt solar expansion when measured against actual dispatchable generating capacity, arguing that rapidly growing electricity demand would require dependable generation alongside renewable resources.
According to Danly, the United States wants to support countries with both energy supplies and technologies capable of strengthening reliable electricity generation.
LNG and Nuclear Power at the Centre of Asian Energy Strategy
Responding to questions about competition with Chinese energy investment, Danly presented the United States as a major supplier of oil and natural gas and said Washington intends to expand LNG exports further.
He also identified American nuclear technology as an important component of the country’s longer-term energy engagement with Asia. According to Danly, regional economies are experiencing rapidly increasing energy and electricity demand, while infrastructure limitations could become a significant constraint on economic growth.
He said the United States is prepared to cooperate on areas ranging from electricity transmission and LNG supplies to nuclear technology.
Japan, India and Australia Included in Regional Energy-Security Push
Discussing Japan, Danly described the two countries as longstanding partners in energy diplomacy and trade. He also referred to the Quad Fuel Security Forum being held in Texas as part of a broader effort to strengthen fuel security for countries including Australia, India and Japan.
He said Washington wants energy-market volatility and supply disruptions to have as little impact as possible on economic development across the region.
Vietnam Faces Infrastructure Constraints
Vietnam was identified as another potential market for expanded U.S. LNG supplies. Danly said the country would need additional import terminals, regasification capacity and pipeline infrastructure to fully benefit from increased LNG imports.
He argued that reliable and affordable energy would be essential to Vietnam’s continued industrial and manufacturing expansion.
AI Enters the U.S. Regional Energy Strategy
The briefing also highlighted a technology dimension through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Genesis Mission, described by Danly as a flagship initiative using artificial intelligence to accelerate scientific research.
Danly said the United States sees potential applications ranging from improving utility operations and discovering medicines to reducing the time and cost required for industrial design and manufacturing. He pointed to Japan as the first country to join the initiative and said Washington was open to broader international cooperation.
Washington Says It Is “Open for Business”
In his closing remarks, Danly reiterated that the United States wants its energy resources to reach international markets under commercially mutually beneficial arrangements.
He said Washington intends to remain a partner for countries across the region and to expand opportunities for trade, energy cooperation and technology partnerships.
Key Takeaways
- The U.S. wants to expand oil and LNG exports to Asian markets.
- Nuclear technology is being positioned as another pillar of regional energy cooperation.
- Infrastructure development is viewed by Washington as critical to meeting Asia’s growing energy demand.
- Japan, India, Australia, Taiwan, Indonesia and Vietnam feature prominently in the U.S. regional energy discussion.
- The Genesis Mission adds AI-driven scientific research to the U.S. technology-cooperation agenda.
- Washington is promoting commercially based energy relationships with regional partners.
Source: U.S. Department of State, Asia Pacific Media Hub — virtual press briefing with U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy James P. Danly, September 14, 2026.
By Suman Munshi | IBG NEWS
