Realization of development areas based on cooperation between offshore wind power and fisheries, towards co-creation of the future

2024.4.25
Mitsubishi Research Institute, Ltd.

On April 25, Mitsubishi Research Institute, Inc. (President: Kenji Yamota, hereinafter referred to as MRI) published a research report titled “Japan’s offshore wind potential area – Towards the formation of a virtuous cycle that will lead to the co-creation of the future of offshore wind and fisheries.” (hereinafter referred to as this report). The purpose of this report is to analyze areas with potential for offshore wind as basic information for promoting dialogue between offshore wind and fisheries, and to contribute to the realization of cooperation between offshore wind and fisheries.

1. Background

Offshore wind power is an important power source for achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, ensuring energy and economic security, and realizing industrial development and economic growth. In order to expand Japan’s offshore wind market and develop the industry, it is extremely important to specify the market size and development plan and build a highly predictable market.

The key to this is identifying areas for development based on the premise of cooperation between offshore wind power and fishing. In order to promote dialogue between the two industries, it is essential to share information on potential sea areas, which forms the basis of dialogue.

In this report, we have conducted an initial analysis of potential offshore wind power areas in Japan, taking into account natural environmental conditions, sea area utilization status, and business feasibility. It is hoped that this report will serve as a starting point for deepening discussions among related parties and realizing cooperation between offshore wind power and fisheries.

2. Summary of analysis results

The outline of this report is as follows.

Analysis overview
  • In addition to natural environment data (wind speed, water depth, etc.), sea area usage data (ship navigation conditions, fishing rights, etc.) is also utilized to consider the impact on ship navigation and fishing, and we are developing potential sea areas for offshore wind power in Japan

Note: The analysis in this report does not take into account all natural and social conditions, the actual state of ocean use such as fishing, and the possibility of grid connection, so it may not match the actual sea area that can be developed. Furthermore, it only shows the potential and does not indicate the amount required to achieve net zero in 2050.

  • Estimated power generation costs in each sea area to add business feasibility perspective

Note: Costs if future farm size expansion, technological innovation, domestic supply chain formation, port/system infrastructure development, and project period expansion are realized. This is a mechanical analysis based on limited natural condition data and certain preconditions. There is a possibility that there will be a discrepancy between the results and the actual power generation costs.

Main analysis results
  • The area of the total potential sea area is estimated to be equivalent to 70GW for grounded type and 2,396GW for floating type.
  • The national installation target (30-45GW in 2040 (including floating types)) *5 and the 100GW installed amount of offshore wind power required to achieve carbon neutrality in 2050 (JWPA estimate) *6 correspond to a few percent of this estimate. It has been shown that each goal can be achieved while minimizing the impact on vessel navigation and fisheries.
  • The area of potential sea area with a power generation cost of less than 10 yen/kWh, which is assumed to be highly viable, is estimated to be equivalent to 70 GW for anchored type and 1,477 GW for floating type in 2050

3. For the future

In the future, if we can aggregate the knowledge and data held by both the offshore wind power and fishing industries, and more precisely consider natural conditions, social conditions, and the state of ocean use such as fishing, it will be possible to further shape potential sea areas. . MRI will continue to scrutinize the analysis results of this report and work towards creating a virtuous cycle that will lead to the co-creation of the future of offshore wind and fisheries.
Full report :

In English: Potential Sea Areas for Offshore Wind in Japan

In Japanese: 日本の洋上風力ポテンシャル海域

Inquiries regarding content

Mitsubishi Research Institute, Inc.
2-10-3 Nagatacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8141
Energy and Sustainability Business Headquarters
E-mail: offshorewind@mri.co.jp

Inquiries from media outlets:

Mitsubishi Research Institute, Inc.
2-10-3 Nagatacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8141
Group Public Relations Department
E-mail: media@mri.co.jp

For more information about BVGA’s role in working with Mitsubishi Research Institute on this analysis results on Japan’s offshore wind potential area, contact Patrick Whelan.