Japan Revises Marine Renewable Energy Promotion Act
Japan's Proactive Development Policy That Korea Should Note
'Reformative Solution Bank' Producing and Publicizing Innovative Policies
The Great Transition Forum stated on the 22nd that Japan's proactive offshore wind power policy is "an example that Korea should pay attention to."
Recently, the Japanese government decided to implement amendments to the Act on Promotion of Utilization of Marine Renewable Energy. Japan enacted the Act on Promotion of Utilization of Marine Renewable Energy in 2018 and has been revising related laws and regulations. Through the recent amendments, it laid the groundwork for achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. The area for offshore wind farm installation will be expanded to the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Japan set offshore wind power generation targets of 10 gigawatts (GW) by 2030 and 30 to 45 GW by 2040.
Japan expects offshore wind power generation in the EEZ to bring energy security and economic benefits. Since it spends a large amount on energy imports, securing clean energy sources is urgent. By utilizing the abundant offshore wind resources within the EEZ, it can significantly increase offshore wind power generation capacity.
Korea set a target of 14.3 GW for offshore wind power deployment by 2030 in the "10th Basic Plan for Electricity Supply and Demand (2022?2036)." However, progress has been slow due to complex permitting procedures, difficulties in environmental impact assessments, and competition for marine space utilization. Korea has yet to establish a special law on offshore wind power. Related bills such as the "Special Act on Offshore Wind Power Site Planning and Industry Promotion" and the "Special Act on Activation of Offshore Wind Power Deployment" were proposed in February last year but failed to pass in the 21st National Assembly. They are expected to be discarded with the end of the 21st National Assembly session.
The Great Transition Forum emphasized, "Before it is too late, Korea must promptly revise related laws and regulations like Japan and accelerate large-scale offshore wind power projects utilizing the EEZ," adding, "Offshore wind power is an eco-friendly energy source with larger facility capacity and higher generation efficiency compared to onshore wind power." It continued, "There is unlimited installation space at sea, enabling the construction of large-scale complexes," and "Building near existing thermal power plants can also reduce transmission costs."
The forum warned, "Japan's proactive steps serve as a wake-up call to our government," expressing concern that "delays will cause difficulties in responding to the climate crisis, ensuring energy security, and securing new growth engines." It further stressed, "Since there are overlapping EEZs in the Korea-Japan intermediate waters and Korea-China provisional measures waters, securing offshore energy resources is urgent," highlighting "the need for prompt passage of related bills."
The forum urged the government to establish green energy transition policies including offshore wind power and to take concrete actions.
The Great Transition Forum was founded in April 2023 as a "reformist solution bank" that produces innovative policies beyond political lines and promotes public discourse, seeking new national visions and policy development. It is composed of about 100 scholars and policy experts. The forum aims for a "Great Transition Era" by fostering new thinking, organizing new intellect, and creating new strategies to realize individual potential, promote cooperative societies, and lead healthy and diverse cultures.
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