Japan progresses plan to build offshore windfarms in its EEZ

The Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) said the legislative procedure for the bill is "progressing smoothly" and now moves to the Diet for further deliberation.

If approved during the ordinary Diet session in June, it is expected to take effect by 1 April 2026. The Diet is the national legislature of Japan, and is composed of a lower house, the House of Representatives, and an upper house, the House of Councillors.

The amendment to the bill stated, “In addition to developing projects in territorial waters and inland waters based on current law, it is necessary to work on developing projects in Japan’s EEZ and to give due consideration from the perspective of preserving the marine environment.”

Ultimately, the aim is to establish a system to permit the installation of renewable energy power generation facilities in Japan’s EEZ, and designate areas for the installation of technology such as offshore wind.

GWEC said the bill “is key in enabling offshore wind projects in Japan’s EEZ, where floating wind holds the key to unlocking the country’s vast offshore wind potential.”

With limited shallow waters, Japan’s offshore wind ambitions rely on scaling up floating wind in deeper waters. Offshore wind and floating wind are considered key to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. 

GWEC said it looks forward to the bill being enacted and will continue working with Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Ministry of the Environment and key stakeholders to realise the country’s floating offshore wind ambitions in its EEZ.”