Energy Transition

Events

20-22 November 2024

Circular Economy Expo

19-21 February 2025

World Smart Energy Week

18-19 June 2025

Kyushu Energy Technology Innovation Expo 2024

18-20 June 2025

Japan Energy Summit & Exhibition

Japan’s green transformation

Japan, the world’s fifth highest emitter, is striving for 36-38% renewable energy by 2030 and climate neutral energy usage by 2050. To meet these goals, the government is investing in expanding existing and new renewable energy sources, including offshore wind, hydrogen, Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage (ATES), nuclear power and solar power.

Japan’s many islands, its mountainous topography, and its proneness to natural disasters create several infrastructural and financial challenges, limiting the country’s renewable energy capacity. Therefore, innovative knowledge, services and products are required to realise Japan’s energy transition, which offers various opportunities for Dutch start- and scaleups.

Offshore Wind

The Japanese government has planned for 10 GW of offshore wind projects (both bottom-fixed and floating) to be finalised by 2030 and 30-40 GW, by 2040. While the industry is very competitive and the government is very protectionist to its domestic offshore wind industry, Japan has slowly allowed foreign companies to help build these projects. Being internationally renowned for their expertise, efficiency and innovation, several Dutch offshore wind companies have already been able to access the Japanese market successfully by collaborating with Japanese counterparts through joint ventures or other partnerships. Especially in the area of Balance of Plant (BoP) and the field of engineering, manufacturing and installation- and maintenance operations the Dutch have been able to contribute in Japan.

Photo by Mischa Keijser

Hydrogen

Both Japan and the Netherlands consider hydrogen as an important factor to decarbonise and are expected to be key importers of hydrogen, once an international supply chain has been established. Opportunities lie in innovative solutions for hydrogen filling stations, new type of compressors, high pressure hydrogen technology, innovative techniques for hydrogen transport, storage and distribution. A cluster of 12 (in 2023) Japanese and Dutch partners has been established since 2020 to join forces to improve hydrogen technologies. New companies active in the hydrogen industry are welcome to join.

Photo by Danny Cornelissen on Port of Rotterdam

ATES

Aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES) is a technology that seasonally stores excess heat (or cold) in a subsurface aquifer that can be reused at a later stage. In Japan, air conditioning accounts for nearly half or the power consumption of office buildings. This technology could help heat and cool buildings more sustainably.

In the Netherlands, ATES is a regular option for new constructions, with more than 3000 systems currently in operation. Dutch companies can share their expertise and support Japan in designing, engineering, optimising and monitoring ATES systems.