The Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult in the UK and the Floating Wind Technology Research Association (FLOWRA) of Japan have agreed to reduce the risks and costs linked to the development of floating offshore wind energy.
The organisations have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Tokyo to collaborate on personnel exchanges, the standardisation of component technologies and the establishment of a test and demonstration partnership to drive large-scale technological development.
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The MoU aligns with a broader co-operation agreement between the UK and Japanese governments, aimed at promoting and supporting collaboration on offshore wind deployment.
By combining the UK’s research and development capabilities with Japan’s industrial manufacturing expertise, the organisations aim to provide innovative and sustainable renewable energy to both countries and global markets.
Floating offshore wind will offer economic benefits and job creation opportunities, enhance energy security and contribute to both countries’ efforts to reduce emissions and tackle climate change.
ORE Catapult research and technical capabilities director Dr Cristina Garcia-Duffy stated: “As two island nations with a longstanding history of trade and investment partnership, Japan and the UK are important partners for the burgeoning technology development of floating offshore wind.
“Working with our friends and colleagues at FLOWRA to address the challenges and opportunities in bringing floating offshore wind to commercial deployment will stimulate significant economic and export opportunities, create jobs, bolster energy security and support our respective efforts to combat climate change.”
