Japan sets up to 50% renewable goal for 2040

Marine vessels and assurance services critical for renewable infrastructure.

Japan’s Seventh Basic Energy Plan—formulated by the Cabinet in February 2025—aims to increase the renewable energy share in the country’s power mix from 22.9% in fiscal year (FY) 2023 to 40% to 50% by FY 2040, according to a ClassNK report.

This is projected to drive a surge in wind power from 1.1% in 2023 to approximately 4% to 8% by 2040.

With Japan’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) ranking as the 6th largest globally—covering around 4.5 million sq. km.—the development of wind farms can be expanded into the EEZ following the revision of the Act on Promoting the Utilisation of Sea Areas for the Development of Marine Renewable Energy Power Generation Facilities.

The Japanese government also targets an overall wind capacity of 30 GW to 45 GW by 2040, with at least 15 GW expected from floating turbines—a proposal slated for completion by FY 2029.

The report cited various vessels required for infrastructure construction, each with a specific purpose: self-elevating platforms, crew transfer vessels, service operation vessels, cable-laying vessels, and anchor handling tug supply vessels.

ClassNK also launched its Marine Assurance Service in 2024 to address contrasting standards between Japanese and foreign operators.

It serves as a commercial bridge, helping Japanese vessel owners qualify for international charters through adoption of the electronic Common Marine Inspection Document and conducting Dynamic Positioning (DP) assessments.

The report further highlighted critical areas where domestic ships fall short of global requirements, namely risk assessment, lockout/tagout systems, and DP qualifications.