One day, resource-deprived Japan may no longer have to import its energy, nor rely on nuclear power or coal, thanks to a renewable source with vast potential: offshore wind power.
The International Energy Agency said in a report in November that by 2040, offshore wind power alone has the potential to meet Japan's total power demand by over ninefold and the world's total electricity demand by elevenfold. The technology could become the world's mainstay power supply, the IEA says, contingent on one thing: the further development of floating turbines.
2020 will be an inflection point in the nation's full-scale development of offshore wind after a new law took effect in April 2019 allowing offshore turbines to operate for up to 30 years. Previously, most prefectures could only give permits lasting up to five years, making it difficult for developers to invest in major projects.