10 April 2025 | Tokyo, Japan
- As a leader in Japan’s offshore wind sector, Akita Prefecture has already made significant strides in boosting the industry’s economic benefits for the region
- New analysis by ERM Japan and Ocean Energy Pathway finds that with the right policy and investment strategies, offshore wind projects could generate 356 billion JPY (2.38 billion USD) of gross value added, an amount that could grow to 570 billion JPY (3.81 billion USD) through further measures to promote local procurement.
- Close coordination and cooperation between policymakers, industry leaders and civil society groups, both in Akita Prefecture and throughout Japan, is expected to be critical for the successful and sustainable development of the local offshore wind supply chain.
ERM Japan and Ocean Energy Pathway (OEP) today released a new report examining how offshore wind projects in Akita Prefecture contribute to economic growth, job creation, and local value – while highlighting opportunities for further impact.
Akita Prefecture is a domestic leader in Japan’s offshore wind sector and offers a clear case study for how the industry and its supply chain can deliver substantial social and economic benefits. With 140 MW of capacity already in operation, 2,100 MW under development, and a further 400 MW under consideration for future auction rounds, Akita Prefecture is well-placed to spearhead Japan’s push to build out renewable energy.
The study evaluates the gross value added (GVA) and local employment impact through both “possible” and “potential” scenarios—demonstrating that, under current conditions, offshore wind projects could generate a GVA of approximately 356 billion JPY (2.38 billion USD) and support nearly 34,000 jobs. With feasible investments aimed at boosting local supplier capabilities, these figures could rise to around 570 billion JPY (3.81 billion USD) and 52,000 jobs over the projects’ lifespans.
Crucially, the report situates offshore wind’s economic potential within Akita Prefecture’s pressing demographic challenges. With the region experiencing significant population decline and an aging demographic – the worst among Japan’s 47 prefectures – the study underscores offshore wind’s role in regional revitalisation. By creating jobs, boosting local incomes, and attracting new investment, offshore wind could breathe new life into the local economy.
Takaaki Furubayashi, Professor at Akita University, stated:
“This report is an important achievement that demonstrates the potential for significant local economic ripple effects from offshore wind projects in Akita Prefecture, and the establishment of a sustainable supply chain.”
Takayuki Shibata, Partner of ERM Japan, said:
“Today’s report is a significant step forward in our shared commitment to not only harness offshore wind power in Japan, but to also ensure that its benefits extend to local communities. Our detailed analysis provides actionable insights that can help the local industry seize the opportunities created by offshore wind, ultimately contributing to a more vibrant regional economy.”
Akihiko Kurashina, Japan Country Head of Ocean Energy Pathway added:
“Offshore wind is set to be a key pillar of Japan’s energy ambitions, and offers significant social, economic and climate benefits. This study offers a clear roadmap for maximising the positive local impacts of offshore wind and building resilient supply chains. In Akita Prefecture and throughout Japan, cooperation between policymakers, industry leaders and civil society groups will be crucial to sustainably scaling up the sector and unlocking these benefits.”
Key findings and recommendations
Drawing upon an input–output methodology enhanced by ERM’s proprietary offshore wind project cost model (LEnSTM), the report provides an independent analysis of the economic spillover effects associated with Akita’s eight offshore wind projects. Key recommendations include:
- Maximising local participation in O&M: Emphasising the long-term role of local companies in operation and maintenance (O&M) activities to secure sustainable local involvement.
- Creating long-term offshore wind pipeline: Advancing discussions on future fixed-bottom and floating wind projects to provide certainty for local suppliers and long-term industry growth.
- Coordinated supply chain development: Calling for collaborative frameworks among project developers to harness synergy opportunities across the region.
- Multi-prefectural collaboration: Encouraging joint efforts with neighboring prefectures to promote initiatives for an internationally competitive supply chain.
- Human resource development: Promoting initiatives to cultivate and retain local talent, vital for countering Akita’s ongoing demographic challenges.
- Maximising economic benefits: Leveraging clean electricity from offshore wind to attract new businesses and industries, amplifying the economic impact beyond energy generation.
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For more information, contact:
Navneet Khinda, Global Strategy Director, Ocean Energy Pathway media@oceanenergypathway.org
Notes to Editors
The full report can be found here.
For further information, media inquiries, or to request an interview, please contact:
ERM: Michelle Elias michelle.elias@erm.com
Ocean Energy Pathway: Navneet Khinda media@oceanenergypathway.org
About ERM
Sustainability is our business.
As the world’s largest specialist sustainability consultancy, ERM partners with clients to operationalize sustainability at pace and scale, utilizing a unique blend of strategic transformation and technical delivery capabilities. This approach enables clients to accelerate the integration of sustainability at every level of their business.
With over 50 years of experience, ERM’s diverse team of more than 8,000 experts across 40 countries and territories assists clients in creating innovative solutions to their sustainability challenges, unlocking commercial opportunities that address the needs of today while preserving options for future generations.
Learn more here.
About Ocean Energy Pathway
Ocean Energy Pathway fast-tracks the development of a sustainable, high ambition, global offshore wind sector, as part of a thriving blue economy. As a not-for-profit organisation, Ocean Energy Pathway delivers expert, independent technical assistance to governments and stakeholders and works with policymakers, industry, conservation leaders, and other stakeholders to build strategies to sustainable scale for the sector. Ocean Energy Pathway is scaling in diverse markets around the world and has launched operations in Brazil, India, Japan, the Philippines, and South Korea.
Learn more here.