Xodus opened its first Asian office in Japan to support the growth of the offshore wind industry in the country. Japan’s ambitious targets of 10GW by 2030 and 30-45GW by 2040 are encouraging, but the lack of clarity on the policy, including process of the auction rounds and financial incentives, makes investment in local manufacturing and infrastructure high risk. This will not only cause delays in offshore wind farm developments and hence failing to achieve their net-zero targets, but it will also make Japan miss its opportunity to revitalise the manufacturing industry and to create a driver for green economic recovery.
As lead consultant in the environmental impact assessment for Equinor’s Hywind project, Xodus played a pivotal role in the creation of the environmental statement for the world’s first floating wind project and wanted to support the first projects in Japan from the beginning. Having previously delivered a range of projects in Japan, Xodus views the huge potential for floating and fixed offshore wind, as well as green hydrogen, as the key drivers for a clean energy transition in Japan. The new office adds to existing bases for the company in the UK, US, Australia, the Middle East and Africa.