The revised offshore wind legislation in Japan for the EEZ offers significant potential for floating wind
The Japanese Parliament just passed a revised legislation to enable the utilization of the entire economic exclusive zone (EEZ) in Japan for offshore wind projects. While not having a big effect on the prospect for fixed-bottom projects, the revision provides a significant new opportunity for floating development in Japan and is a significant step towards emerging as a leading offshore wind market in Asia-Pacific.
While the new legislation enhances the opportunity in the Japanese market – and is a testament to the country’s commitment to offshore wind – the development of the market hinges a lot on the commercialization of floating wind, which has been delayed.
Aegir Insights currently forecasts that floating wind in operation could reach around 4 GW globally by 2035, large-scale application is not expected before the second half of the 2030s.
However, Japan could become a global leader in floating technologies with the 17 MW Goto City demonstration project currently under construction, while two 15-30 MW floating demonstration sites were awarded in June 2024 and another dual-set of demonstration sites is expected to be awarded in H2 2025.
Aegir Insights’ subscribing clients can dive deeper into developments and opportunities in the Japanese market on the Aegir Platform and have access to our new Insights report, analyzing the implications of this new legislation for the offshore wind market in Japan.
Reach out to us to learn more about the implications of the revised legislation and our coverage of the Japanese offshore wind market.
Is Northeast Asia set to lead the second surge of floating offshore wind?
Multiple markets in Northeast Asia have started to move in floating wind with South Korea taking a lead and awarding the 750 MW Firefly floating project in the beginning of 2025, which is now set to be developed by Equinor and provide first power in the early 2030s. But also Japan and Taiwan are playing a key role.
Could the region lead the second surge in floating wind? Read our analysis here.
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