Japan remains optimistic about the adoption of renewable energy, despite Mitsubishi's withdrawal from three major offshore wind projects, the government announced on Thursday. The projects, which Mitsubishi abandoned due to high costs, were planned to include 134 turbines capable of generating power for over a million homes.

Government Response to Project Withdrawal

Government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi told reporters that the government regards offshore wind power as an essential electricity source in its efforts to make renewable energies Japan's primary power source, regardless of the success or failure of particular projects. The government plans to further examine the issue, including reviewing the conditions of the auction system after assessing the factors behind the withdrawals from these projects.

Mitsubishi announced on Wednesday its decision to exit the three offshore wind projects, citing high costs as the reason for the withdrawal. The projects represented a significant planned contribution to Japan's renewable energy infrastructure.

Japan's Renewable Energy Strategy

Japan declared in its updated energy plan this year that offshore wind power serves as a "trump card" in its drive to make renewables the top power source by 2040. Wind power is expected to account for between four and eight percent of Japan's energy mix within the next 15 years, representing a substantial increase from its current level of around one percent.

The country aims to dramatically reduce its dependence on fossil fuels over the coming decade and a half. In 2023, nearly 70 percent of Japan's power needs were met by power plants burning coal, gas, and oil. Tokyo wants to slash this figure to 30-40 percent over the next 15 years.

Energy Context and Climate Goals

Japan ranks as the world's fifth-largest single-country emitter of carbon dioxide, trailing China, the United States, India, and Russia. The country remains heavily dependent on imported fossil fuels for its energy needs. Almost 15 years after the Fukushima disaster, Japan is also turning back to nuclear power as part of its strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

This multi-faceted approach combines offshore wind development, nuclear power revival, and overall renewable energy expansion to meet the country's climate commitments and energy security objectives. The government's continued confidence in offshore wind power development comes despite the setback from Mitsubishi's project withdrawals, signaling Japan's commitment to diversifying its energy portfolio away from fossil fuel dependence.

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