Japan mulls legislation to allow offshore wind farms in its EEZ

The government is considering legislation to allow offshore wind farms in Japan's exclusive economic zone as part of efforts to realize a carbon-neutral society.

The government views offshore wind farms as a key source of electricity in achieving its goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

But concern exists that Japan doesn't have enough space for sufficient wind power generation on its land and in its territorial waters.

That has prompted the government to plan a new law or legal revision in line with international conventions to allow wind farms in its EEZ.

Cabinet Office officials say some European countries, including Britain and the Netherlands, already have wind farms in their EEZs.

In planning its legislation, the government intends to draw on these precedents and take into consideration possible impacts on the environment and on ties with neighboring countries.

Source: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230206_08/