From 25 October to 4 November, a delegation of twenty-five Dutch offshore wind companies and knowledge institutions visited Japan and Korea. The offshore wind delegation was part of the economic mission led by Minister of Economic Affairs Henk Kamp and it ran parallel to the state visit of King Willem-Alexander and queen Máxima to Japan and Korea.
Delegation leader Robert Kleiburg, COO of the Energy Research Centre of the Netherlands (ECN), finds the mission very successful because it has already brought concrete results.
For example, Barge Master, Damen Shipyards, DDC, Tocardo International and TNO, in the presence of Minister Henk Kamp, have signed cooperation agreements with their Korean partners. In Korea, there are also four specific offshore wind farms identified for cooperative activities – the projects represent an investment of more than EUR 3 billion.
Kleiburg said: “Realization of cost reduction in offshore wind is the priority in our sector for the next few years. Both Japan and Korea are known for their excellent qualities with respect to production and thus may help us to reduce the cost of offshore wind. The Dutch offshore sector has a lot of knowledge and experience in the construction of offshore wind farms in Europe: in all wind farms one or more Dutch companies were involved.
“With all the knowledge and experience we are the perfect partner for both Japan and Korea to develop their own offshore wind market. Especially in Japan, where the great water depths are challenging. For this reason, floating wind turbines are already being tested in Japan. The development of floating foundations is still in its infancy and offers opportunities for joint research.”
Wim Jenniskens, President of export association Holland Home of Wind Energy (HHWE) , is convinced that the “Partners for International Business”(PIB) program works: “A year ago, a consortium of ten companies and organizations signed the PIB agreement with the government. In this context, our consortium is actively supported by the Dutch embassies in Tokyo and Seoul. We can also integrate all our activities in Japan and Korea such as missions, scholarships, research and the establishment of liaison offices in the PIB. Next February, we are at the Holland Pavilion at the Wind Expo in Tokyo.”
[mappress mapid=”14692″]
Offshore WIND Staff; Image: ECN