Development of common platform technologies for social implementation and international expansion of floating offshore wind

The New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) has announced a significant advancement in Japan’s renewable energy sector. As part of the Green Innovation Fund Project, NEDO is launching a new initiative focused on developing a common platform for floating offshore wind energy systems. This effort aims to reduce costs and accelerate the adoption of floating offshore wind power in Japan.

Project Background

Japan has set an ambitious goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. To reach this target, the country is focusing on transforming its energy and industrial sectors through innovative investments. The Green Innovation Fund Project, managed by NEDO, supports companies committed to addressing these challenges by providing continuous support from research and development to societal implementation over a decade.

Focus on Floating Offshore Wind Energy

Floating offshore wind energy is a promising solution for Japan, given its deep coastal waters. However, challenges such as high costs and the need for large-scale production have hindered widespread adoption. NEDO’s new initiative aims to overcome these obstacles by establishing a collaborative framework primarily among domestic companies. The project will focus on standardizing floating systems, developing mass production techniques, and creating guidelines to support deployment in deep waters, including Japan’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Project Overview

1. Project Name

Green Innovation Fund Project / Cost Reduction of Offshore Wind Power

2. Budget

Approximately 4 billion JPY (NEDO’s support scale)

3. Project Duration

From FY 2025 to FY 2030 (planned)

4. Selected Research Themes

[Research and Development Category: Phase 1-〔5〕] Common Platform Development for Floating Offshore Wind Power

This research and development initiative aims to address key challenges such as standardization of floating systems, mass production techniques, deep-water deployment including Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) expansion, and the establishment of international standards for global market competitiveness. The following areas will be developed:

1. Development of wind condition observation techniques for offshore environments
2. Development of optimal design standards and regulations for floating systems
3. Development of mass production and high-speed manufacturing technologies for floating platforms
4. Development of mooring and anchoring construction technologies for deep-water deployment
5. Development of transmission technologies adapted to deep-water conditions

By focusing on these areas, the project aims to establish a common foundation that will facilitate the early implementation of floating offshore wind power and enhance the competitiveness of Japan’s offshore wind industry.

Project Details

Project Aim

・Initiatives on core technical issues for Floating offshore wind TWG1-5

・Initiatives for system optimization as a results of TWG1-5(Construction period, Cost and Certainty)

・Establishment of various technical guidelines and standards, and efforts toward standardization through international collaboration

https://www.nedo.go.jp/news/press/AA5_101808: Development of common platform technologies for social implementation and international expansion of floating offshore wind