This document presents the research development and social implementation direction for the "Cost Reduction of Offshore Wind Power" project under the Green Innovation Fund program formulated by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, outlining priority areas and targets for technological development.
The Japanese government has positioned offshore wind power as one of the primary power sources toward achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, setting deployment targets of 30-45GW by 2040. This project promotes technological development to achieve significant cost reductions in offshore wind power to meet these targets.
Priority Areas for Technological Development
The project establishes the following priority areas for cost reduction in offshore wind power. First, for next-generation wind turbine technology development: realizing 15MW-class or larger turbines, optimizing floating offshore wind power systems, and establishing turbine design technology suitable for Japan's meteorological and oceanographic conditions. Second, for mass production and cost reduction technology of floating foundations: developing new floating structures such as concrete and hybrid foundations, and optimizing mooring systems are positioned as priority challenges.
Initiatives Toward Social Implementation
In parallel with technological development, environmental preparation to accelerate social implementation is progressing. Cost reduction across the entire supply chain is being pursued, including advancement of turbine installation and construction technology, efficiency improvements in O&M (operation and maintenance), and optimization of grid connections. Additionally, strengthening industrial competitiveness and regional economic ripple effects are expected through domestic supply chain construction.
Targets and Milestones
The project aims to achieve power generation costs of 8-9 yen/kWh by 2030, with phased technology demonstration and scale-up planned. Component technology development will be completed by around 2025, demonstration projects will begin in the late 2020s, with commercialization targeted for the early 2030s. Expansion into Asian markets is also envisioned through establishing internationally competitive technology.
The article demonstrates that cost reduction of offshore wind power is a key technological development project for Japan's energy transition, with concentrated efforts progressing through public-private partnership.