The Japanese government is preparing to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Danish wind turbine maker Vestas to promote local production of turbine components, Nikkei reported on Monday.
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) aims to establish a cooperative framework with Vestas that could include manufacturing turbine blades and drivetrain parts within Japan, the report said.
The government plans to provide subsidies and other support measures, alongside increased backing for offshore wind projects to expand the country’s renewable energy capacity.
In a separate agreement, Nippon Steel will collaborate with Vestas to explore the use of domestically produced steel for turbine towers, Nikkei added.
Japan currently depends on imports for major wind turbine components, as no significant turbine manufacturing operates within the country.
According to the report, the ministry hopes to leverage a slowdown in offshore wind investment in the U.S. and Europe caused by inflation and policy changes, notably during the previous U.S. administration.
The Vestas MoU follows similar agreements the ministry has facilitated with GE Vernova and a Siemens subsidiary, Nikkei said.
