Vestas’ plan to build wind turbine nacelles in Japan boosted by METI

The company is to received support through METI’s ‘GX Supply Chain Construction Support Program.’

This is the second time the company has received supported from METI for the plan. In 2021, the company secured funding from METI under a programme known as the ‘Programme for Promoting Investment in Japan to Strengthen Supply Chains (Second Call).’ The aim of the programme was to strengthen the country’s supply chain by supporting essential products, parts, and materials. Eligible products include offshore wind turbine parts and components.

In a statement, Vestas said implementation of this latest investment and related activity “is contingent upon the fulfilment of certain conditions, including the continued growth of Japan’s offshore wind market and Vestas’s order volume for domestic offshore wind projects that would utilize this local content.”

If the conditions are met, the company will transfer the nacelle assembly process to Japan. This will enable final nacelle assembly and testing to be conducted at pre-assembly ports serving offshore wind projects in the country.

Vestas plans to establish a base for the necessary specialized tooling and equipment in Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture, and subsequently deploy resources to individual project sites. In line with market development and expanding orders, the company also aims to strengthen collaboration with Japanese suppliers to build a competitive and resilient supply chain.

Since delivering its first wind turbine in Japan in 1993, Vestas has installed a cumulative total of approximately 2 GW of wind power capacity in the country.

The company also provides operation and maintenance services for a similar capacity, with an additional 1 GW currently under construction.

In the statement, Vestas said it remains committed to supporting the expansion of wind power in Japan, “thereby contributing to enhanced energy security and the realization of a more sustainable future.”