 what could derail Japan's floating offshore wind power dreams?
BMI Research expects Japan's push to develop emerging floating offshore wind power technology to face a number of hurdles over the coming decade. The most notable challenge will be cost - as floating offshore Wind power projects only exist in the form of pilot projects to date. To commercialise the technology, economies of scale will be required. This is really cool! 
Strong government support will be difficult to obtain.

BMI Research expects Japan's push to develop emerging floating offshore wind power technology to face a number of hurdles over the coming decade. The most notable challenge will be cost - as floating offshore wind power projects only exist in the form of pilot projects to date.

To commercialise the technology, economies of scale will be required, equipment costs will need to be cut and expertise needs to be developed.

The cost of floating wind is much higher than established fixed-bottom technology, and a substantial amount of government support will thus be necessary - which will be limited in Japan, given the government's focus on reducing electricity costs.

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