Japan has identified five offshore wind farm sites off the coast of Hokkaido as “promising zones” for development, marking the second stage of a three-part selection process. This announcement is part of Japan’s plan to hasten the growth of renewable power to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
The five new sites, located off Ishikari, Ganu-Minamishiribeshi, Shimamaki, Hiyama, and Matsumae, were upgraded from “preparatory zones” after a government study confirmed their grid connection capability. The study, called the “grid security scheme,” was launched last year to accelerate wind farm development.
In order to be eligible for public auction, a “promising zone” must be upgraded to a “promotion zone” that meets all the criteria set by local law. The government will announce the results of its annual selection process for wind farm areas in the summer, identifying some areas as promotion zones, others as promising, and some as preparatory.
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Offshore wind power is an essential driver for Japan’s renewable energy expansion. However, last year’s auction process was suspended for nine months as the government needed to revise rules following criticism from businesses about the bid process’s lack of transparency. In the first round of auctions, all three areas were won by consortiums led by Mitsubishi Corp.
Japan’s renewable energy market has great potential, and the identification of these promising zones is a positive development towards achieving the country’s carbon neutrality goal. With the government’s continued support and investment, Japan could become a global leader in renewable energy.
