SSE Pacifico and Partners Secure Public Funding for Japanese Floating Offshore Wind Demonstrator
A consortium led by SSE Pacifico, alongside Marubeni and other partners, has been awarded public funding for a 30MW floating offshore wind demonstration project in Japan. The project, located off the southern coast of Akita Prefecture, will be developed in water depths of up to 400 meters, making it one of the deepest offshore development sites in the world.
The funding, provided by the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry’s (METI) Green Innovation Fund (GIF), totals up to 85 billion yen (circa £420m GBP) and will be split evenly between two successful projects. SSE Pacifico, 80% owned by SSE, will work alongside Marubeni Offshore Wind Development (MOWD) and local partners to develop two 15MW demonstrator offshore wind turbines with semi-submersible floating foundations.
This project marks a significant milestone for SSE Pacifico’s entry into the Japanese offshore wind market and will contribute to Japan’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. The demonstration project aims to optimize business development, EPCI, and O&M processes, paving the way for future growth in Japan’s and international floating offshore wind development in deep-sea areas.
“We’re delighted our consortium has been successful in the GIF auction in Japan. This demonstration project will play a critical role in enhancing real-world knowledge about deploying floating wind at such depths, not only in Japan but globally,” said Dai Karasawa, President of SSE Pacifico.
The Green Innovation Fund (GIF) was established to support Japan’s transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy and enhance its competitiveness in the global market. The fund targets various sectors, including renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable industrial processes, and aims to foster research and development, demonstration projects, and the commercialization of new technologies up to FY 2030.
