Japan Changes Port and Harbour Law to Promote Offshore Wind

Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MILT) has amended the country’s existing Port and Harbour Law to promote development of offshore wind projects, the Japan Wind Power Association (JWPA) reports.

The amendments allow developers to lease designated water zones in port areas for a period of up to 20 years. The newly changed law also sets up a bidding system for offshore wind-related development in port areas.

The amendments were approved by the House of Representatives and the House of Councilors in Japan on 13 May.

The 20-year limit on the leases does not fully cover the full life cycle of offshore wind farms, including research, construction, commissioning and decommissioning, JWPA said, adding that the amendment is a compromise as Japanese law system does not recognise lease contracts lasting for more than 20 years.

The offshore wind projects are not expected to be negatively affected by the 20-year lease limit as developers have the option to re-apply for the lease.

Most offshore wind power projects in Japan are planned in port areas as they provide good infrastructure for construction and operation of wind farms, according to JWPA.