Renewable energy consultancy OWC has been selected to provide preliminary front-end engineering design (pre-FEED) services for a 15MW floating wind pilot project in Japan. The initiative, led by Kanadevia Corporation, will test a semi-submersible floating wind turbine off the coast of Aichi prefecture and is scheduled to run through March 2031.
This project is part of Japan's Green Innovation Fund Phase 2, a government-supported program aimed at advancing renewable energy technologies. OWC has been involved since the project's inception, contributing basic design services during Phase 1 and now expanding its role in the second phase.
OWC's work will focus on the initial design iteration of the floating turbine platform, with the potential for continued involvement as the project advances through its demonstration phases. According to OWC's floating wind team leader in Japan, Masataka Nakagawa, the project represents a significant step in developing Japan's floating offshore wind industry and aligns with broader renewable energy goals.
The Green Innovation Fund, led by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), is a cornerstone of Japan's strategy to reduce offshore wind power costs. Floating offshore wind technology is expected to play a key role in achieving commercial viability by 2030.
Kanadevia is part of a consortium that includes C-Tech, Kajima Corporation, Hokutaku, and Mitsui OSK. Together, the group aims to develop the technologies needed to accelerate Japan's transition to floating wind energy and establish a more sustainable energy system.
