ARKANSAS, Oct 25 (Future Headlines)- Japan and Denmark are forging a strategic partnership to advance the research and development of floating offshore wind power technologies, with the aim of combating climate change. This collaboration comes as the global floating offshore wind industry is poised for rapid growth, driven by countries’ commitments to reduce carbon emissions. Here, we delve into the key elements and statistics from this significant development:

The floating offshore wind industry is on the cusp of explosive growth in the coming decade. It represents a key component of the global strategy to reduce carbon emissions and achieve sustainable energy production.

The agreement between Japan and Denmark establishes a framework to support collaboration across various sectors, including industry, regulatory bodies, and academia. This holistic approach aims to leverage expertise and resources from both countries to advance floating offshore wind technology.

The two countries are not limiting their collaboration to a bilateral effort. They plan to invite other interested countries to join the framework. This inclusive approach promotes international cooperation in addressing the challenges and opportunities of floating offshore wind technology.

One significant aspect of this collaboration is the potential development of global standards for the floating offshore wind industry. Establishing de facto global standards would facilitate the growth and adoption of this technology worldwide. This aligns with the industry’s need for consistency and reliability.

Japan has set ambitious targets for offshore wind power generation. It aims to have 10 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind power, including both bottom-fixed and floating wind power, by 2030. Further, it envisions achieving up to 45 GW of offshore wind power by 2040. These targets are part of Japan’s broader commitment to increasing the share of renewables in its electricity mix to 36%-38% by the end of this decade, up from around 20% currently. Japan’s overarching goal is to reach carbon neutrality by 2050.

Japan is actively working on developing a comprehensive roadmap for floating offshore wind power. This roadmap is expected to provide a strategic framework and timeline for the country’s efforts in this sector. Japan aims to unveil this roadmap by the end of March 2024, setting the stage for its future activities in floating offshore wind.

In addition to the focus on floating offshore wind, Japan’s trade and industry ministry has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Danish energy ministry. This memorandum outlines a collaboration to develop a sustainable and cost-effective supply chain for hydrogen and ammonia, which are key components in the transition to cleaner energy sources.

Writing by Kevin Wood; Editing by Sarah White