The Japan government has unveiled a new target for offshore wind energy, aiming to reach 10 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030 and between 30 GW and 45 GW by 2040. The government expects the cost of electricity from offshore wind projects to be around JPY8-9/kWh (US$7.7-8.7/kWh) over a 30-35-year period.
The government’s latest Energy White Paper (2020) aims to raise the share of renewables in the power mix to 22-24% (including hydropower) in 2030, with plans to make renewables Japan’s main power source by 2050. Earlier in December 2020, the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism (MLIT) of Japan launched the first-ever auction for fixed bottom offshore wind projects in four areas off the country’s coast. The auction covers three zones off the coast of Akita Prefecture - off Noshiro (Mitane Town and Oga City), Yurihonjo City North and Yurihonjo City South - and off Choshi City in the Chiba Prefecture. It will remain open until 27 May 2020.