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CleanTechnicaabout 2 months ago

Op-Ed: Japan’s Offshore Wind Dream Hits a Wall — Can Industry Reform Save It?

Key Takeaway

The abrupt abandonment of 1.7 GW of offshore wind capacity by Mitsubishi Corporation underscores the severe policy, regulatory, and financial hurdles facing large-scale renewable development in Japan, demanding urgent industry reform.

AI Summary

  • Mitsubishi Corporation abandoned three major offshore wind projects in Japan, totaling 1.7 GW (enough for 1.3 million homes), incurring ¥20 billion in penalties.
  • This significant withdrawal by a major trading giant has sent 'shockwaves' through Japan's renewable energy sector, signaling deep-seated challenges and risks.
  • The Op-Ed suggests that urgent industry reform is necessary to salvage Japan's offshore wind ambitions, implying existing policy or regulatory frameworks are insufficient.
  • For developers and large power consumers, this event highlights the substantial financial and regulatory risks associated with large-scale renewable energy projects in Japan, potentially impacting future supply and market stability.

Topics

financingpolicywind

Article Content

When Mitsubishi Corporation walked away from three massive offshore wind projects in August, paying ¥20 billion in penalties rather than proceeding, it sent shockwaves through Japan’s renewable energy sector. For a trading giant to abandon 1.7 gigawatts of capacity — enough to power 1.3 million homes — it signaled something ... [continued] The post Op-Ed: Japan’s Offshore Wind Dream Hits a Wall — Can Industry Reform Save It? appeared first on CleanTechnica .