Offshore Wind Site Survey Areas Under the Centralized Approach

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism have established the centralized approach to accelerate the development of offshore wind projects. Under this approach, the government and local authorities are involved from the early stages to conduct surveys quickly and efficiently. As part of this effort, JOGMEC has conducted site surveys since FY2023 on wind conditions, seabed geology, and meteorological and ocean conditions needed for basic design.

Survey areas are subject to conditions that the prefecture has begun coordinating with parties whose operations, such as fishing or navigation, may require adjustment; that it actively participates in coordination with local stakeholders when JOGMEC conducts its coordination; and that the area meets the requirements prescribed by ministerial ordinance.

From Tuesday, April 7, through Friday, June 5, of this year, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism asked prefectures to indicate their preferences. Of the five areas for which an early survey launch was requested, two were newly selected in light of input from an expert third-party committee.

The new survey areas are waters off Wakayama Prefecture (eastern area) and waters off Ichikikushikino City, Kagoshima Prefecture. Waters off Hiyama, Hokkaido, were selected for additional surveys to further examine project feasibility and reduce costs.

JOGMEC will coordinate what is needed to conduct the site surveys, subject to approval of the FY2027 government budget.

These surveys do not lead to designation as promotion zones under the Act on Promoting the Use of Sea Areas for the Development of Marine Renewable Energy Power Generation Facilities. Such designations will be handled separately under procedures prescribed by that Act.