The Japanese government announced on the twelfth a revision to the law on installation, permitting, and zone designation of marine renewable energy power generation facilities in Japan's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) to attain carbon neutrality by 2050.

Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry said in a press release, “Offshore wind power is a renewable energy trump card, and the goal is to attain 10 million kilowatts (KW) by 2030 and 30 to 45 million KW by 2040.”

He explained that although the present law was limited to territorial waters and internal waters, there have been difficulties, however the revision of the law made it possible to put in offshore wind power plants within the EEZ, thereby laying the inspiration for achieving the goal.

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry designates areas where power generation facilities will be installed, and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport grant temporary authority to those that wish to put in power generation facilities. Afterwards, the person in charge forms a separate organization through consultation and grants formal permission to this organization.

Existing offshore wind power plants are sometimes carried out by constructing a seabed foundation in shallow water and fixing the windmill on top of it.

Nevertheless, because the scope expands to deep sea areas attributable to EEZ expansion, 'Floating Offshore Facility' wind power plants, which float power plants on the water, are expected to change into the main focus.

Reporter Lee Yu-seon energy@aiitmes.com