The wind power industry in Japan is gaining momentum, with a visionary target set by the Japan Wind Power Association (JWPA) to increase capacity to 140 gigawatts (GW) by 2050. Currently, the country’s wind power capacity stands at less than 5 GW. This ambitious goal aims to meet one-third of Japan’s electricity demand and align with its 2050 carbon neutrality target.

Recognizing the vital role of offshore wind power in Japan’s renewable energy expansion, the JWPA emphasizes the need for clear goals to attract foreign wind farm suppliers and encourage investments in local supply chains. President Jin Kato highlighted the importance of collaboration between public and private sectors to expedite progress.

To significantly reduce emissions, the JWPA recommends 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 included a mere 0.14 GW from offshore sources. The government’s previous target of 45 GW of offshore wind power by 2040 now appears less ambitious compared to the JWPA’s new vision.

Japan’s wind power expansion faced delays in the past, leading to a suspension of the developer selection process for wind farm projects in 2022. Bidding rules were revised to address concerns raised by the business community regarding clarity.

According to the JWPA, the establishment of an internationally competitive wind power industry necessitates close collaboration between the public and private sectors. The association aims to install 40 GW of onshore wind farms, 40 GW of bottom-fixed offshore wind farms, and 60 GW of floating offshore wind farms.

These installations are projected to have a substantial economic impact, with an estimated ripple effect of 6 trillion yen ($44.4 billion) per year by 2050. The growth of the wind power sector is expected to create 355,000 jobs while reducing fossil fuel procurement costs by 2.5 trillion yen per year, as determined by JWPA estimates.

As the wind power industry gains traction in Japan, it is poised to become a significant driver of the country’s renewable energy transition. With ambitious targets and collaborative efforts, Japan is on a path to harness the full potential of wind power and make substantial strides towards a sustainable future.