Ørsted, JWD, and Eurus form offshore wind partnership in Japan
Andrew W. Cox
Energy Intelligence & Marketing Research - Energy Consultant, Professional Trainer, Freelance Writer and Event Producer
Ørsted, Japan Wind Development Co. (JWD) and Eurus Energy have formed a partnership with the aim of jointly developing offshore wind projects in the Akita Prefecture, Japan.
The three companies have been developing two designated offshore wind sites under Japan's Offshore Renewable Energy Act of 2018 - the Noshiro/Mitane/Oga and the Yurihonjo Offshore Wind Farms. Both of these projects are currently progressing with the necessary permitting and surveys, and are scheduled to be installed on seabed-fixed foundations.
The partnership has considerable experience in the development, construction and operation of offshore wind power projects, plus knowledge of the power market and supply chains within Japan. It announced that it will be participating in Japan's upcoming offshore wind auction round which closes on 27th May 2021.
Japan has outlined a 30-45 GW offshore wind ambition by 2040 and plans to hold offshore wind auctions each year. Japan's west coast is viewed as a key area in these developments hosting up to 5 GW offshore wind by 2030, and 9 GW by 2040.
Matthias Bausenwein, President of Region Asia-Pacific at Ørsted, said: "As a strategic market for Ørsted, Japan has great potential and optimal conditions to develop offshore wind. We are excited to further expand our footprint in the country and assist in developing renewable energy through our partnership with JWD and Eurus in the Akita Prefecture. Ørsted has a unique opportunity and obligation to be a catalyst for the green transformation in Japan and can be a key player in realizing the cost-down journey for offshore wind in Japan.''
Masayuki Tsukawaki, JWD's President and CEO, says: "We are excited to partner with Ørsted and Eurus Energy. By leveraging each company's long-standing experience and knowledge, working together with local stakeholders, we believe we can build the first large-scale offshore wind farms in Akita successfully and further contribute to the growth of the offshore wind power industry as well as to the development of a sustainable society in Japan."
Source: Press Release from Ørsted - 19th May 2021