Japan proposes revamp of offshore wind auction rules

Draft amendments designed to encourage faster development as government frets over 2030 clean power goal

Japan’s proposed overhaul of its offshore wind power auction rules aims to accelerate development of the sector by encouraging more companies to lodge bids while limiting the ability of a single bidder to dominate future rounds. The updated rules for bidding in Japan’s offshore wind auctions proposed by the industry and land ministries would see a new focus on early project commissioning by adding the date of operation as a new criteria in assessing bids. Operators that submit earlier startup dates for projects would score higher in bid evaluations, a step aimed at addressing criticism that development of Japan’s wind sector has been too slow. “The new draft amendments aim to encourage faste