Publication date: March 4, 2025
Japan Invests in Floating Offshore Wind Technologies to Boost Global Competitiveness
The New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) is promoting the ‘Cost Reduction of Offshore Wind Power Generation’ project using money from its Green Innovation (GI) Fund. The project aims to expand the introduction of offshore wind power generation by reducing costs, particularly for floating wind turbines. NEDO has announced that one research theme, ‘Development of Common Infrastructure for Floating Offshore Wind Power’ was recently selected as an R&D project.
Phase 1 of the ‘Cost Reduction of Offshore Wind Power Generation’ project began in FY2021 with the development of elemental technologies for the four themes: ‘wind turbines’, ‘floating foundation manufacturing and installation’, ‘electrical systems’, and ‘operation and maintenance’. Phase 2 began in FY2024with a demonstration project for the integrated design of wind turbines, floating structures, cables, moorings, and other components.
Research Focus for Floating Offshore Wind Development
The newly adopted research theme intends to address issues such as the standardization of future floating systems, mass production of floating structures, and deployment in deep waters in #EEZs (Exclusive Economic Zones). It also aims to achieve international standards with an eye on the global market. The project will be carried out with a view to linking it with a Phase 2 demonstration project, with the aim of promoting the early spread of floating offshore wind power and strengthening the competitiveness of Japan’s offshore wind power industry.
The research will be carried out by the Floating Offshore Wind Research Association (FLOWRA). Specific activities include: Japan Invests in Floating Offshore Wind Technologies to Boost Global Competitiveness
- Development of optimal design standards and standardization of floating systems
- Development of technologies for mass production and high-speed production of floating systems
- Development of technologies for mooring and anchoring in deep water
- Development of power transmission technologies for deep water
- Development of wind observation methods in the distant ocean.
The budget is approximately JPY 4 billion (the scale of NEDO support), and the planned research period is from FY2025 to FY2030.
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