Japan is fast tracking its offshore wind energy programs to achieve decarbonization, awarding two major wind farm projects to chosen consortiums, according to Reuters.

As part of its third public auction round, the island nation’s industry and land ministries selected two consortiums to operate offshore wind farms. The projects awared are part of Japan’s efforts to decarbonize. The country intends to expand its renewable energy production under its 2050 carbon neutral strategy.

One consortium comprises JERA, Green Power Investment, and Tohoku Electric Power. They secured a 615 MW wind farm in the Japan Sea near Aomori Prefecture. The second consortium includes Marubeni, Kansai Electric Power, BP’s BP IOTA, Tokyo Gas, and Marutaka.

They will manage a 450 MW wind farm off Yamagata Prefecture’s coast near Yuza town. Both projects are expected to begin operations in June 2030.

Also read: Tokyo Metro and JERA Group Partner on Solar Virtual Power Purchase Agreement for Zero Emissions

Offshore Wind Targets

The government intends to finalize 10 GW of offshore wind deals by 2030 and 45 GW by 2040. Offshore wind energy forms part of the renewable energy plan of Japan.

The renewable energy plan of the island nation involves incorporating 50% renewables in its electricity mix by fiscal 2040.

But there are factors that act as a hindrance to the plan. Rising development costs, supply chain issues and inflation are among the hindering factors.

Collaborations for Renewable Energy Expertise

Recently, there is a trend that is growing in the offshore industry. The trend involves Japanese firms partnering with Western companies to gain offshore wind expertise. For instance, BP and JERA announced a partnership to create one of the world’s largest offshore wind operators.

Japan’s third tender round, conducted between January and July, reflects its commitment to expanding offshore wind capacity. Despite challenges, these projects strengthen Japan’s position in renewable energy development and contribute to global decarbonization goals.

Shandong Electric Power Construction (Sepco), one of the largest Chinese energy groups, has announced acquiring a major contract to build a solar power project in Saudi Arabia. A 300MWac photovoltaic power station was constructed in Rabigh as part of the strategy to satisfy ambitious renewable energy targets and diversify the economy.

The project, named Rabigh 2, will see Sepco provide Engineering, Procurement, and Services (EPS) for the solar power station. It is a key development in Saudi Arabia’s National Renewable Energy Program, driving the diversification of the country’s energy mix under Vision 2030. NREP targets an equal and balanced energy mix by 2030; 50% of power generation to come from gas and renewables will reduce dependence on liquid fuels in the country.

TotalEnergies and Aljomaih Energy Cooperation

This month, a solar project in Rabigh 2 entered into a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement with SPPC by TotalEnergies, together with Aljomaih Energy and Water Company as a developer, a company in Saudi Arabia. Under this agreement, the plan aims to enhance the prospects for clean energy in the country while enhancing long-term security in terms of its energy.

Also read: TotalEnergies and Aljomaih Energy Sign 25-Year PPA for 300 MW Solar Project in Saudi Arabia

Scope of the Project

The Rabigh 2 solar plant will house a 300MWac facility, a 33kV/110kV booster station, and a 110kV transmission line. As part of NREP Round 5, this project will support the country’s renewable energy capacity, hence boosting it.

The solar plant will connect to the national grid by 2026 to help realize Saudi Arabia’s sustainability vision and its renewable energy goals.

A Step towards Sustainability and Energy Transition

Furthermore, the Rabigh 2 project will help demonstrate Saudi Arabia’s seriousness in diversifying the source of energy and driving its clean energy transition. As part of this strategy, it contributes to the reduction of carbon emissions and supports sustainable regional development.