【Event Report】Smart Energy Week 2023
Japan has set ambitious goals for sustainable energy in the coming years, with a focus on reducing its reliance on fossil fuels and transitioning to renewable energy sources. The Japanese government announced its commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, a goal that will require significant investments in sustainable infrastructure and technology. This is where Norwegian corporations can join in with the technology and expertise. As a result of this, a joint Norway-Japan Offshore Wind Seminar was held on March 14th 2023 along with World Smart Energy Week 2023 at Tokyo Big Sight.
NCCJ members, Equinor, DNV and Kongsberg Maritime, spoke during the offshore wind seminar and had a pavilion at the Offshore Wind Expo, which had many visitors. The NCCJ had the opportunity to attend these to show the support to our members.
Two MoUs were signed to mark the beginning of long term industry cooperation between Norway and Japan. The first one was signed between Norwegian Offshore Wind and Japan Wind Power Association. The second MoU was signed between Norwegian Hydrogen Forum and Japan Hydrogen Association. The signing was witnessed by Her Excellency Inga M. W. Nyhamar, Ambassador to Norway in Japan. Both MoUs represent significant collaborations between companies and organizations from different countries, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in advancing technological innovation and sustainable development. The MoUs marks a commitment between Norway and Japan to work closely together right from the early stages of offshore wind and hydrogen fuel cell development.
Among our member speakers were Mr. Ole Christian Willumsen, Country Manager at Equinor, who spoke about how they aim for a community based development plan when it comes to achieve Japans target for offshore wind.
Mr. Ruben Menezes, Offshore Wind Specialist at DNV touched upon safety and risk management and how Norway and Japan can share knowledge and expertise, as well as the importance for having a skilled workforce.
Mr. Jan Tore Lindstad, Sales Director at Kongsberg Maritime, partook in the panel discussion regarding how to scale offshore wind.
Overall, the NCCJ members' presentations at Smart Energy Week provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the sustainable energy sector in Japan. The events were a great opportunity for industry leaders to come together and share their knowledge and experiences, and it is clear that Norwegian companies are playing an important role in driving the transition to a more sustainable energy system in Japan.
NCCJ members were also present at World Smart Energy Week at Tokyo Big Sight (15-17 March 2023). Among those who were part of the Norwegian Pavilion or the Nordic Battery Collaboration were our members DNV, Equinor, FREYR Batteries and Kongsberg Maritime.
The Norwegian Pavilion was frequented by companies and organizations who shared their insights and interest in Norwegian Offshore Wind solutions. This marks the initiatives for future collaboration between Norway and Japan - and a start for our members who either spoke during the seminars, participated either by being part of the Norwegian Pavilion or stopped by.
Photo credits: Sondre Jakobsen