
Three new areas were designated as “Preparation Zones” under the Act on Promoting the Utilization of Sea Areas for the Development of Marine Renewable Energy Power Generation Facilities by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) on September 27, 2024.
For the first time, areas off the coast of Wakayama Prefecture, “Sea Area Offshore Wakayama Prefecture (Eastern Side)” and “Sea Area Offshore Wakayama Prefecture (Western Side, Floating),” were designated as such. Additionally, a new Preparation Zone, “Sea Area Offshore Akita City” was added in Akita Prefecture.
The Act, which went into effect on April 1, 2019, establishes a process for the selection of offshore wind project areas, in which regions develop project outlines that are then designated as “Preparation Zones” or “Promising Zones” at the national level. Those are then upgraded to “Promotion Zones” by the ministries once they gain consent from committees with representatives from the national and municipal governments, fishing associations, and other stakeholders.
Including the newly designated three areas, currently, there are 10 “Promotion Zones,” nine “Promising Zones,” and 11 “Preparation Zones.” The developers for eight of the 10 “Promotion Zones,” including four off the coast of Akita Prefecture, were chosen already. The remaining two areas were auctioned off earlier this year, with results expected to be announced in December 2024.