Published September 10, 2025
Japan is taking a strategic step toward expanding its offshore wind capacity by planning a national floating wind test centre — a move expected to boost innovation and energy independence across its vast maritime zones. 🌬️
The Floating Offshore Wind Technology Research Association (FLOWRA), comprising 21 domestic companies including JERA and Tokyo Gas, will lead discussions on the test centre’s functions and equipment beginning next year. The facility aims to collaborate with established research hubs in Scotland (EMEC) and Norway (METCentre) to adapt floating wind technologies to Japan’s unique ocean and weather conditions.
Japan currently operates seven offshore wind farms, including two small floating turbines, with a combined capacity of 253 MW. However, the government’s long-term goal is to establish a 45 GW offshore wind pipeline by 2040, of which 15 GW or more will come from floating systems.
While Mitsubishi’s recent withdrawal from three projects slowed momentum, FLOWRA chairman Masakatsu Terazaki emphasized that such challenges are part of the sector’s learning curve — not a setback unique to Japan. With electricity demand expected to rise 6% by 2035 due to data centres and semiconductor growth, offshore wind will play a vital role in meeting Japan’s carbon neutrality goals.
đź”— Read the full article on Reuters