TOKYO (Reuters) – Japan and Denmark are set to agree later on Tuesday to join hands in researching and developing floating offshore wind power technologies in a bid to combat climate change, an official at Japan’s industry ministry said.
The nascent floating offshore wind industry is poised for explosive growth in the coming decade as countries strive to cut their carbon emissions.
Many details have yet to be decided but the two countries will likely discuss spearheading the creation of de facto global standards for the industry, the official said.
The letter of intent will be signed by Japan’s trade and industry ministry and the Danish climate and energy ministry, he added.
Japan aims to have 10 gigawatt (GW) of offshore wind power, including bottom-fixed and floating wind power, by 2030 and up to 45 GW by 2040. It wants renewables to provide 36%-38% of its electricity mix by the end of this decade from around 20% now and has targeted becoming carbon neutral by 2050.
Japan is also working on delivering a roadmap for floating offshore wind power by the end of March 2024.
(Reporting by Yuka Obayashi; Editing by Edwina Gibbs)
