Japan is changing the future of renewable energy with floating offshore wind turbines

In order to overcome geographical limitations and optimally exploit the potential of renewable energy, Japan is pursuing the development of floating offshore wind turbine technology. The limitation of the shallow coastal waters of this country has made the use of traditional wind turbines a serious challenge.

According to the news department of Tekna Technology Media, a consortium consisting of leading Japanese companies, including Albatross Technology, Electric Power Development (J-POWER), the parent company of Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO HD), Kawasaki Kaisen Shipping Company (“K” LINE) and Sumitomo Heavy Industries Marine & Engineering (SHI-ME) have begun a comprehensive study to investigate the feasibility of large-scale vertical axis floating wind turbines. This project, supported by the New Energy and Industrial Technologies Development Organization (NEDO), is an important step towards realizing Japan’s renewable energy goals.

Vertical-axis floating wind turbines, as a new generation of offshore wind turbine technologies, offer several advantages, including adaptability to different water depths and reduced construction and installation costs. In this type of turbines, both the turbine and its floating base rotate in an integrated manner, which increases the efficiency and stability of the system.

The advantages of using vertical floating wind turbines include the possibility of installation in areas with high water depth that are not suitable for traditional wind turbines and the use of smaller and simpler floating structures with reduced construction and installation costs. Also, installing wind turbines in areas far from the coast reduces the negative impact on the coastal environment. According to the results of this study, Japan can take effective steps to achieve its long-term goals in the field of renewable energy and be recognized as one of the pioneers in the development of new wind energy technologies.

To see the latest news, refer to the scientific news page of Tekna Media.