Under the agreement, Nippon Steel will supply steel for wind turbines in Europe, Asia, and Japan.
This collaboration is part of a broader strategy launched by METI to strengthen Japan's wind energy supply chain and reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuels. In a statement issued by the ministry, it was stated that “offshore wind power constitutes a pillar of Japan's renewable energy strategy.”
Vestas is already involved in several projects in Japan, including the 375-megawatt Happo-Noshiro offshore wind farm off the coast of Akita Prefecture. This large-scale project is led by Japan's Eneos Corp, Spain's Iberdrola, and local energy provider Tohoku Electric Power.
This development is the latest in METI's efforts to expand international partnerships. In June, a partnership framework was launched with Siemens Energy's wind energy unit, Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy. Siemens Gamesa will also collaborate with Japanese electronics firm TDK on magnet production for wind turbines.
In addition, METI has established a similar framework with US-based energy company GE Vernova. This partnership aims to promote public-private partnerships not only in wind energy but also in hydrogen and ammonia technologies.
Japan has set a national target of reaching a total of 45 gigawatts of offshore wind energy capacity by 2040. However, despite three public tenders held to date, progress toward this goal has been slow due to rising costs and project delays.
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