Our Japan Country Manager, Samuel Griffiths, presented at 11th Asia Offshore Wind Day in Tokyo, which was is held in conjunction with Smart Energy Week 2024. The event provided an opportunity to learn about the latest developments and updates in the wind energy market and to network with contemporaries and industry leaders.
The wind power industry is at a very nascent stage in Asia and there is a rapidly growing demand in the Asian wind energy sector. Acting as the industry representative, the Asia Wind Energy Association aims to capitalize on this opportunity. The association aims to develop and communicate conclusive policies to influence the decision-making process of the Asian governments to create a positive investment environment and enable greater deployment of wind energy in the Asia-Pacific region.
“With the Japanese and Asian offshore wind industry expected to grow significantly in the coming years, the 11th Asia Offshore Wind Day offers the ideal meeting place to network, discuss and learn about the future of the offshore wind sector in Asia.” (Source: https://www.asiawind.org/11th-asia-offshore-wind-day/)
Samuel was speaking alongside many other reputable names in the industry, on a wide range of topics pertaining to the transformative potential of Offshore Wind energy. With fifty-one speakers from all over the world, the event was about sharing insight with peers and the wider Renewable Energy community.
Speaking for the Environment, Communities and People segment of the event, Samuel’s speech was: “Human Resources in Offshore Wind – the other supply chain issue for Japan”. The key points included:
Workforce Challenges in Japan
· According NHK reporting Japan is projected to face a significant worker shortage of over 10 million by 2040, largely due to an ageing population and declining birthrate
· The labour shortages will affect nearly all prefectures except for Tokyo, with some regions experiencing shortages of over 30%
· High-demand occupations include nursing care services, sales clerks, drivers, and construction workers
· Official statistics say only 30% of Japanese speak English
· Tankan Survey showing 15% YonY increase in CAPEX projects being postponed due to increase in cost (labour shortage being a major contributor)
· Offshore Wind Farms require multiple interfaces with global OEMs placing high requirements on language skills.
· Limited marine construction experience in Japan further shrinks the potential workforce, which is further compounded by a lack of globally recognised certifications
· Lack of liquid employment market in Japan (Project based employment)
Keeping in mind that Human Error is the #1 cause of Insurance Claims in Offshore Wind, how then to proceed
· Focus on thorough planning, detailed project/operational design
· Make adequate resourcing plans a key part of vendor selection
· Work with recognised partners with a track record in Japan to find compliant solutions for Japan.
This goes hand in hand with all the hard work ersg’s community is doing to give back to the local community and in this vital industry.
