Developments in Japan, Korea and Australia

When: Wednesday, 9 April 2025, 15:30 - 17:00
Where: Markets Theatre - Hall D
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Session description

In collaboration with GWEC.

This year, Japan’s offshore wind sector is experiencing a "wind of change" as the country reviews its energy strategy and introduces key policies aimed at offshore wind development within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). In response to early challenges in delivering some initial offshore wind projects, Japan has recently revised its tender selection rules to improve the effectiveness and competitiveness of its offshore wind auctions. These changes aim to strengthen project economics and ensure successful project delivery for existing and future tender winners.
Alongside these regulatory updates, floating offshore wind is gaining momentum. Organizations like FLOWRA and new entrants such as FLOWCON are working to advance both technology and installation infrastructure essential for floating wind energy. Floating wind is viewed as key to unlocking Japan's vast EEZ potential, particularly in deeper waters where bottom-fixed turbines are not feasible.

The Philippines has made significant progress in establishing policy enablers for offshore wind development. The Department of Energy (DOE) has finalized the Offshore Wind Roadmap and is preparing to launch Green Energy Auction Round 5 (GEA 5), which will include offshore wind for the first time. A Memorandum of Agreement between DOE and DENR was signed to streamline seabed and foreshore lease processes, addressing a key permitting bottleneck. The Transmission Development Plan 2024–2040 prioritizes offshore wind integration, while the Philippine Ports Authority has committed to upgrading three strategic ports to support offshore wind logistics. Policy revisions now allow 100% foreign ownership in renewable energy projects, boosting investor confidence. Collectively, these actions signal the government’s strong intent to mobilize bankable offshore wind projects and build a supportive investment environment.

Australia background description: Victoria is leading Australia's offshore wind energy future with its ambitious plans to develop 2 GW of capacity nearing its next phase of implementation. The Victorian Government is keen to engage with the global supply chain to ensure a smooth rollout of its offshore wind ambition. This presentation will give an overview of the emerging trends in the market, investment opportunities, and regulatory updates shaping the future of renewable energy in Victoria.

South Korea has set an ambitious target of 14.3GW of installed offshore wind capacity by 2030, showcasing its commitment to renewable energy and sustainable development. The recent passage of the Offshore Wind Power Promotion Act (OSS Bill) streamlines permitting processes, underscoring the government’s support to accelerate project deployment. Additionally, plans to allocate 7-8GW of capacity by 2026 highlight the nation’s proactive approach to advancing the industry. Achieving these goals will depend on strong collaboration between foreign and domestic companies, leveraging expertise in project execution, innovation, financing, and supply chain development. A cooperative ecosystem that prioritizes inclusivity is essential to ensure all stakeholders contribute effectively to South Korea’s energy transition.

Session chair

Stewart Mullin

COO, GWEC

Key APAC Market Updates: Japan, Philippines and Australia

Mika Ohbayashi

Director, Renewable Energy Institute, Tokyo

Marissa Cerezo

Director, Renewable Energy Management Bureau, Department of Energy (DOE), Philippines

Tim Dillon

Agent General to the United Kingdom, Victoria's Commissioner to Europe and Israel, Global Victoria, State Government of Victoria

Michael Hannibal

Partner, CIP

Girish Tanti

Vice Chairman, Suzlon

Wadia Fruergaard

Senior Director, Head of Policy & EU Affairs, Vestas

Tejjas Parmar

CEO International Business , Suzlon Energy

Accelerating South Korea’s Offshore Wind Deployment Through

Sung Woo Choi

Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of the Republic of Korea to the Kingdom of Denmark

Sung-Kyu Lee

Vice President, Power System Division, Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO)

Ryeongseon Son

Energy PM , Invest Korea, Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency(KOTRA)

Jonathan Spink

CEO, Copenhagen Offshore Partners Korea

Byunghyun Jeong

Deputy Director, Investment Promotion Division, Jeollanam-do Provincial Government