The Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult and the Japanese Floating Wind Technology Research Association (FLOWRA) have strengthened their collaboration with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement marks the culmination of nine months of joint efforts and aims to reduce development risks and costs associated with floating offshore wind technology.
Under the MoU, the two organisations will engage in personnel exchanges, work on the standardisation of component technologies, and form a test and demonstration alliance to facilitate large-scale technology development. This collaboration aligns with a broader cooperation agreement between the UK and Japanese governments to promote the deployment of offshore wind energy in both countries.
“Floating offshore wind is poised to play a pivotal role in the future energy landscape of both the UK and Japan,” the statement said. The partnership leverages the UK's research and development (R&D) expertise alongside Japan's manufacturing capabilities, with the goal of accelerating the development of floating offshore wind technology. This initiative is expected to bring sustainable energy solutions to both nations and contribute to global markets.
Jonathan Reynolds MP, Secretary of State for Business and Trade, expressed his optimism about the partnership, stating, “The UK is a world leader in offshore wind, and this partnership with Japan will turbocharge the development of this vital renewable energy.” He added, “Clean energy has been chosen as a key growth sector in our upcoming Industrial Strategy, and international partnerships like this will attract investment, deliver long-term, stable growth, support skilled jobs, and raise living standards across the UK.”
The collaboration is not only seen as an economic opportunity but also as a critical step towards ensuring energy security and tackling climate change. As Cristina Garcia-Duffy, Director of Research and Technical Capabilities at ORE Catapult, noted, “As two island nations with a longstanding history of trade and investment partnership, Japan and the UK are important partners for the burgeoning technology development of floating offshore wind.”
The MoU is expected to stimulate significant job creation, boost energy security, and foster the transition towards cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions in both countries.
