Japanese trading giant Mitsui & Co., Ltd. has completed the acquisition of a significant unconventional gas asset in Texas, USA, through its U.S.-based subsidiary Mitsui E&P USA LLC (MEPUSA).

The asset, named Tatonka, was purchased from U.S. Oil & Gas E&P companies Sabana, LLC and Vanna, LLC.

Spanning approximately 46,500 acres, the Tatonka asset is located with access to the Gulf Coast industrial area, including liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminals and ammonia plants.

MEPUSA plans to drill wells to evaluate performance and develop the asset, with full-scale development targeted for after 2026.

The acquisition aligns with Mitsui’s Medium-term Management Plan 2026, which identifies “Global Energy Transition” as a key strategy.

The company views natural gas and LNG as crucial components in the energy transition process.

Kenichi Hori, President and CEO of Mitsui, emphasised the company’s commitment to strengthening the natural gas value chain and pursuing low-carbon solutions.

Hori stated that Mitsui will continue to contribute to the stable supply of energy, the enrichment of people’s lives, and the sustainable development of society by further promoting the company’s global natural gas and LNG businesses.

This move comes as the U.S. anticipates increased demand for natural gas due to new LNG projects and growing electricity needs.

Mitsui is actively involved in the liquefaction and export of U.S. natural gas to global markets, as well as methanol production using natural gas as feedstock.

The company plans to focus on upstream development projects while also exploring decarbonisation measures, including the use of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology.

This acquisition follows Mitsui’s purchase of a 92 per cent stake in another unconventional gas asset in Texas last year, demonstrating the company’s continued expansion in the U.S. energy sector.