Vestas signs deal with Japan’s METI to boost wind power manufacturing

A roadmap aims for full nacelle assembly by fiscal year 2039

Wind turbine manufacturer Vestas has signed a memorandum of cooperation with Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and separate memorandums of understanding with Nippon Express Co., Ltd. and DENZAI Co., Ltd. to support the expansion of wind power and strengthen the country’s supply chain.

The agreement with METI promotes domestic manufacturing of wind power equipment in Japan. Vestas said it will work toward conducting final nacelle assembly in Japan by fiscal year 2029, subject to conditions including securing firm orders from Japanese offshore wind tenders.

The company will also develop a roadmap to achieve full nacelle assembly in Japan by fiscal year 2039, depending on the continued growth of the offshore wind market, sufficient orders, and clearer long-term tender plans.

Vestas also signed MOUs with Nippon Express and DENZAI to deepen cooperation with Japanese companies. With Nippon Express, Vestas will explore collaboration on logistics and operations and maintenance services for wind power projects. With DENZAI, the focus will be on engineering services such as lifting planning, crane placement, crane supply, and wind facility construction.

Raphael Huot, Vestas vice president and Japan country manager, said the partnerships support Japan’s push for energy security and expanded wind power deployment.

Vestas has installed more than 1.8 gigawatts (GW) of wind capacity in Japan since 1993, including offshore projects at Akita Port, Noshiro Port, and the Kitakyushu Hibikinada Offshore Wind Farm.

The company currently provides operations and maintenance services for 1.2 GW and has an additional 685 megawatts under construction.