- Japan partners with Siemens Gamesa to develop a domestic offshore wind supply chain.
- Siemens Gamesa and TDK sign MoU for local supply of permanent magnets.
- Japan targets 45 GW offshore wind by 2040 amid import dependence and project delays.
Japan's industry ministry will finalize an agreement with Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy on Tuesday to create a framework for collaboration between the public and private sectors focused on developing local supply chains for offshore wind energy, according to a ministry representative.
Since there are no wind turbine manufacturers in Japan, the objective is to foster partnerships with international companies to establish a local supply chain, the official in charge of wind power at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) informed Reuters.
Among the initiatives, Siemens Gamesa, the wind turbine segment of Siemens Energy, will also enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Japanese electronic components manufacturer TDK, whereby TDK will provide permanent magnets for Siemens Gamesa's wind turbines, according to the official.
The three parties are expected to finalize the agreements later on Tuesday in Tokyo.
Also Read: Tesla to Build China's Largest Grid Energy Storage Facility
Earlier this month, METI reached a comparable agreement with GE Vernova, a significant U.S. energy equipment firm, to foster public-private collaboration in wind energy, hydrogen, and ammonia, among other sectors.
Offshore wind plays a crucial role in Japan's renewable energy plan, yet the nation still depends significantly on imported wind turbines and parts, creating difficulties for local manufacturing.
By 2040, Japan plans to reach 45 gigawatts of offshore wind capacity, essential for decreasing its dependence on imported coal and gas for electricity production. However, its plans have been hindered after three significant rounds of auctions due to rising expenses and delays.