This week’s DeepWind Weekly summarizes the key developments in Japan’s offshore wind sector. From policy updates and project milestones to corporate integration and technological trends, here are the must-know headlines:
News Highlights
1. Matsumae and Hiyama Offshore Areas Officially Designated as “Promotion Zones” under Japan’s Offshore Renewable Energy Act
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) officially designated the Matsumae and Hiyama offshore areas in Hokkaido as “Promotion Zones” under the Offshore Renewable Energy Act as of August 2025. The next steps include the formulation of auction guidelines and the selection of developers.
📝 Current Status of Designated Areas:
- Promotion Zones: 12 (incl. 2 new in Hokkaido)
- Promising Zones: 7
- Preparation Zones: 16
🔗 Read the METI press release (Japanese)
2. JERA and BP Complete Offshore Wind Business Integration – “JERA Nex bp” Launched
JERA and UK-based BP have finalized their offshore wind business integration and launched a new joint venture, JERA Nex bp, on August 1. The new company consolidates approximately 13 GW of development and under-construction assets across Japan and overseas. The firms aim to invest up to USD 5.8 billion by 2030, leveraging economies of scale to maintain profitability amid rising development costs.
🔗 Read article (Nikkei – Japanese)
3. Kitakyushu Hibikinada Offshore Wind Farm – 70% of Turbines Installed
At the Kitakyushu Hibikinada Offshore Wind Farm, backed by J-POWER, 18 out of 25 turbines have been installed. Construction began in May 2025, with turbine installation and electrical systems work underway using a self-elevating platform (SEP) vessel.
⚡ Total Capacity: 220 MW
📅 Commercial Operation: Planned within FY2025
💰 Project Cost: Approx. ¥170 billion
📍 Location: Offshore Kitakyushu (Hibikinada)
Once completed, it will be one of the largest offshore wind farms in Japan.
🔗 Read article (Nikkei – Japanese)
This Week’s Takeaway
This week’s offshore wind headlines in Japan reflect a strong alignment between policy progression, corporate strategy, and project execution:
- JERA and BP officially launched their new JV “JERA Nex bp,” with ambitions to become one of the world’s leading offshore wind developers, backed by a ¥860 billion investment plan.
- The designation of Matsumae and Hiyama as new promotion zones marks a key step toward Japan’s next round of offshore wind tenders.
- The Kitakyushu Hibikinada project reached a 70% turbine installation milestone, keeping its timeline for commercial operation within FY2025 on track.
Together, these developments signal accelerating momentum in Japan’s offshore wind transition.
Explore more categories at DeepWind:
- 🔍Market Insights – Understand the latest trends and key topics in Japan’s offshore wind market
- 🏛️Policy & Regulations – Explore Japan’s legal frameworks, auction systems, and designated promotion zones.
- 🌊Projects – Get an overview of offshore wind projects across Japan’s coastal regions.
- 🛠️Technology & Innovation – Discover the latest technologies and innovations shaping Japan’s offshore wind sector.
- 💡Cost Analysis – Dive into Japan-specific LCOE insights and offshore wind cost structures.