Japan's Osaka Gas is keen to boost its energy portfolio in Australia where it owns several upstream interests, including 10% of the "sleeping beauty" Sunrise liquefied natural gas project, writes Russell Searancke.

The company has been investing in Australia since establishing its local subsidiary in 2000, and currently owns non-operator interests in five significant gas resources — Sunrise, Evans Shoal, Crux, Gorgon and Ichthys.