Overview
- Japan aims to become the world's top producer of offshore wind energy, with a goal of having 10 GW by 2030, and up to 45 GW operational by 2040.
- The country has auctioned 1.7 GW of offshore wind capacity contracts, all won by Mitsubishi-led consortiums in 2021, and will choose winners for four more wind farms with total capacity of 1.8 GW by the end of March 2024.
- International energy companies, including Germany's RWE and Spain's Iberdrola, are urging Japan to increase the scale of its offshore wind power auctions to make investments more attractive.
- Japan's ministry of economy, trade and industry (METI) is pushing for domestic suppliers to make up at least 60% of offshore wind projects by 2040, to help Japan grow its expertise.
- GE Renewable Energy has teamed with Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions to make GE's Haliade-X offshore wind turbines near Tokyo, with plans to start nacelle production from 2026.