In a bid to achieve its 2050 carbon neutrality target and meet a significant portion of its electricity demand, Japan's wind power sector has set an ambitious goal to increase its capacity to 140 gigawatts (GW) by the mid-century. Currently, Japan's wind power capacity stands at less than 5 GW. The Japan Wind Power Association (JWPA) announced these targets on Monday, highlighting the crucial role offshore wind will play in the expansion of renewable energy in the country.
Recognizing the need to attract foreign suppliers and foster local supply chains, JWPA President Jin Kato emphasized the importance of establishing clear goals to encourage investments from wind farm developers. To support emissions reduction efforts, the JWPA proposes increasing Japan's offshore wind power generation capacity to 100 GW by 2050.
As of the end of 2022, Japan's installed wind power capacity amounted to less than 5 GW, with a mere 0.14 GW generated from offshore wind. Acknowledging the delay in progress, the government had to halt the selection process for windfarm project developers for nine months last year to address concerns regarding bidding rules and lack of clarity.
The JWPA asserts that the development of a globally competitive wind power industry necessitates collaboration between the public and private sectors to expedite advancements. The association plans to install 40 GW of onshore wind farms, 40 GW of bottom-fixed offshore wind farms, and 60 GW of floating offshore wind farms.
According to JWPA estimates, achieving these targets would create a significant economic impact, with an annual ripple effect of 6 trillion yen ($44.4 billion) by 2050. Furthermore, the initiative would generate approximately 355,000 jobs while reducing fossil fuel procurement costs by 2.5 trillion yen per year.
Japan's commitment to increasing wind power capacity underscores its determination to transition to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy landscape. By leveraging offshore wind resources and attracting investments, the country aims to make substantial progress towards its carbon neutrality goal while meeting the growing demand for electricity.
