Nippon Steel signs deal with Vestas to supply steel for wind towers in Europe, Asia, and Japan, supporting Japan’s renewable energy goals.
Agreement aligns with Japan’s METI strategy to localize the wind energy supply chain and reduce reliance on imports.
Part of broader cooperation with global wind firms, including Siemens Gamesa and GE Vernova, to accelerate Japan’s offshore wind capacity target of 45 GW by 2040.
Nippon Steel has signed a cooperation memorandum with Denmark’s Vestas Wind Systems to supply steel for wind towers across Europe, Asia, and Japan, Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) announced on Wednesday.
The agreement is part of a broader METI-led initiative to bolster Japan’s wind power supply chain and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels. “Offshore wind is a pillar of Japan’s renewable energy strategy,” METI said, noting that the nation continues to rely heavily on foreign turbine equipment.
Vestas, which already holds multiple contracts in Japan, is involved in the development of a 375-megawatt offshore wind farm off the coast of Happo-Noshiro in Akita Prefecture. That project is being led by Eneos Corp, Iberdrola, and Tohoku Electric Power.
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This announcement follows METI’s recent efforts to expand Japan’s cooperation with other leading global wind players. In June, the ministry launched a partnership framework with Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, the wind unit of Siemens Energy. Siemens Gamesa has agreed to collaborate with Japanese electronics firm TDK to supply magnets for wind turbines.
A similar framework has also been established with U.S.-based GE Vernova to foster public-private collaboration in wind power, hydrogen, and ammonia technologies.
Japan has set a national target to reach 45 gigawatts of offshore wind capacity by 2040. However, progress has been hampered by rising costs and project delays, despite three rounds of government auctions.
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