The UK and Japan have agreed on a framework to strengthen cooperation in offshore wind development, with a focus on floating and deepwater technologies, supply chain development and investment in both markets. The UK-Japan Offshore Wind Industrial Compact was signed on 10 November 2026 by Michael Shanks, UK Minister of State for Energy, and Kei Takagi, Japan’s State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.
The agreement aims to combine the UK's experience in offshore wind policy, market frameworks and project delivery with Japan's industrial and manufacturing capabilities. Its objectives include supporting the commercial deployment of fixed-bottom, floating and deepwater offshore wind, strengthening supply chains, reducing costs and developing a common technical roadmap. The two countries also intend to encourage investment and exports and strengthen energy security through domestic renewable electricity generation.
The compact identifies four areas for cooperation.
The first concerns co-investment in offshore wind projects in both countries. The UK welcomes further Japanese investment in its offshore wind sector, while the two governments will support the development of Japan's early-stage fixed-bottom projects through cooperation and the exchange of expertise. They will also explore joint initiatives involving UK developers, Great British Energy, Japanese developers and financial institutions, particularly for floating and deepwater offshore wind.
The second area covers testing and demonstration of floating and deepwater technologies, including foundations and other enabling systems. This includes cooperation on foundation substructure development, technical standards and research. The countries will also build on existing collaboration between the UK's Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult and Japan's Floating Offshore Wind Technology Research Association. Other areas include subsea engineering, robotics and digitalisation.
The third area focuses on developing a sustainable and competitive offshore wind supply chain, particularly for turbines. The governments intend to strengthen cooperation between industry and government, support the adaptation of fixed-bottom offshore wind technologies for floating applications and encourage companies from both countries to participate in supply chain projects.
The fourth area involves sharing UK expertise and policy frameworks to support the development of Japan's offshore wind market. Topics include project financing, market and regulatory frameworks, technical standards, environmental impact assessments, grid operation, system integration, skills and certification.
Implementation will be coordinated by government agencies in both countries. Great British Energy and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero will lead on the UK side, while Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry will coordinate the Japanese contribution.
