NorthWind partner organisation Norwegian Offshore Wind and its Japanese counterpart Japan Wind Power Association have signed a Memorandum of understanding aiming at bolstering collaboration and knowledge exchange between the two countries’ rapidly expanding offshore wind industries.
The agreement, signed during a ceremony organised by the Norwegian Embassy in Tokyo earlier this week, is intended to stimulate business between offshore wind companies in both countries. Norwegian supply chain and developers are particularly interested in the emerging Japanese market, with substantial potential for cooperation in floating offshore wind projects.
Arvid Nesse, the head of Norwegian Offshore Wind, emphasised the importance of early collaboration between Norway and Japan in the development of floating offshore wind technology. Norwegian Offshore Wind represents nearly 370 companies, while Japan Wind Power Association boasts a membership of 559 companies and corporations.
Japan currently has 190 MW of offshore wind power and has set ambitious targets to develop 10 GW by 2030 and 30-45 GW by 2040. Four projects with a combined capacity of 344 MW, including one floating project, are currently under construction. The winners of the first round of auctions (totalling 1.7 GW) have been decided, while the second round, (at 1.8 GW) is ongoing.
The MoU signifies a commitment to fostering closer and more targeted collaboration between the two countries, building upon their existing strong relationship. Several Norwegian companies are attending the Wind Expo in Tokyo this week, and a Japanese delegation is expected at the Floating Wind Days event in Haugesund in May, which will be opened by the Norwegian prime minister.
