Page 28: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (April 2025)

OFFSHORE ENERGY

GEOPOLITICS & CLIMATE CHANGE

OFFSHORE WIND IN © Sergii Figurnyi/AdobeStock

EAST ASIA & PACIFIC

By Alisa Reiner he East Asia and Paci? c (EAP) region is rapidly emissions targets. emerging as a global leader in offshore wind en- The EAP region is at the heart of this transformation. By ergy, a critical component of the clean energy 2035, its cumulative installed offshore wind capacity is ex- transition. With its vast coastlines, growing energy pected to reach approximately 144 GW. China leads the

T demand, and ambitious decarbonization goals, the region is charge with aggressive targets and substantial investments, poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of renewable while Taiwan and Japan are steadily building their capabili- energy. However, this growth is unfolding against a backdrop ties. Emerging markets like Vietnam and the Philippines are of complex geopolitical tensions, economic challenges, and also beginning to explore their offshore wind potential. technological hurdles.

Five key markets, including China, Taiwan, Japan, Vietnam, and the Philippines, demonstrate the opportunities and chal- lenges facing offshore wind development in the EAP region.

These nations are not only at the forefront of offshore wind innovation but also at the intersection of competing maritime claims and geopolitical interests.

T e Growing Importance of Of shore Wind

Offshore wind energy has become a cornerstone of global efforts to combat climate change and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Unlike onshore wind farms, offshore installations can harness stronger and more consistent winds, making them ideal for densely populated coastal regions.

Globally, offshore wind capacity stood at about 75 GW in 2023 but is projected to grow exponentially to over 510 GW by 2035 and nearly 1,200 GW by 2050. This rapid expansion is driven by advancements in technology—particularly ? oat- ing wind turbines that can operate in deeper waters—and in-

Source: interpretation of data from Intelatus Global Partners. Data Collection was creasing commitments from governments to achieve net-zero capped as of November 1, 2024.

28 Maritime Reporter & Engineering News • April 2025

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