For 14 days during the period from 1 July 2025 through 3 September 2025, the combined daily average power load of Japan and South Korea exceeded 200 GW.

Both LNG markets, which together accounted for 27% of global LNG imports during the first eight months of 2025, have experienced unprecedented numbers of cooling degree days (“CDD”) during Summer 2025. The impact of temperatures on electricity demand is particularly significant given the large role of natural gas-fired generation in the dispatch stacks of both power markets. In 2024, power generation derived from LNG imports averaged 28% of total generation in South Korea and 32% of total generation in Japan.

For the first half of September 2025, temperatures in both Japan and South Korea are forecast to be multiple degrees above average. The prolonged warmth will continue to support additional, short-term LNG bids associated with restocking ahead of Winter 2025.

Tracking daily changes in temperatures and weather conditions for key LNG importing markets is one of many approaches that distinguish Balance Point Research’s modelling of the global LNG market balance and forecasting of LNG imports into NW Europe. Please reach out to learn more.