SeaTwirl, a Swedish company developing vertical-axis offshore floating wind turbines, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Sumitomo Corporation Power & Mobility (SCPM) to advance the technology in Japan.
The partnership aims to leverage Japan's significant potential for offshore wind energy, given its extensive coastline and numerous islands.
The collaboration will see SCPM take the lead in identifying and engaging potential clients, while SeaTwirl will focus on the promotion and provision of its products and services.
The country’s geographical features, including its water depth and the presence of over four thousand islands, present a unique opportunity for the deployment of floating offshore wind technology.
According to estimates by the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), Japan has offshore wind potential at approximately 128GW for fixed-bottom and 424GW for floating turbines.
SeaTwirl's vertical-axis wind turbine design is considered particularly suitable for the Japanese offshore environment.
SeaTwirl global business development head Peter Laurits said: “With SCPM we have a perfect partner to continue to develop our business in the Japanese market. With their deep local presence, solid history, diversified business operations and deep industrial knowledge we are confident we can offer the market something unique and attractive.
“SeaTwirl has great experience within vertical-axis offshore floating wind turbines after more than ten years’ in the business and we are excited to see that the Japanese market is now starting to move. I am proud and enthusiastic over this new opportunity for SeaTwirl!”
Last month, Sumitomo Electric UK Power Cables (SEUK), a subsidiary of Sumitomo Electric Industries (SEI), has announced plans to construct a high-voltage cable factory in the Scottish Highlands.
This facility will support the growing demand for subsea cables in Europe and contribute to the ScotWind and INTOG leasing rounds, potentially adding up to 30GW of offshore wind capacity.
