JERA Co., Japan's leading energy company, has established a new global renewable energy division, JERA Nex, headquartered in London, to bolster its commitment to low-carbon investments and align with decarbonization objectives. This unit, led by CEO Nathalie Oosterlinck, will focus on developing, investing in, owning, and operating renewable energy projects worldwide, encompassing onshore and offshore wind, solar energy, and battery storage.
Initially launching with a 3 gigawatt (GW) portfolio of renewable assets, JERA Nex aims to expand its renewable capacity to 20 GW by 2035, exploring opportunities both domestically in Japan and internationally. Oosterlinck emphasized the unit's strategy of augmenting capacity through strategic acquisitions, partnerships, and independent project development.
As a joint venture between Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings and Chubu Electric Power Co Inc., JERA is committed to achieving net zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050. The company's recent acquisition of Parkwind, Belgium's largest offshore wind platform, underscores its dedication to renewable energy expansion.
Moreover, JERA secured rights in Japan's offshore wind tenders, including a 315-megawatt wind farm development in collaboration with Electric Power Development, Itochu, and Tohoku Electric Power. Looking ahead, Oosterlinck highlighted floating offshore wind as a promising avenue for future growth, particularly in island nations like Britain and Japan, where water depths are conducive to such projects.
While acknowledging the developmental timeline for floating offshore wind projects, Oosterlinck affirmed JERA's interest in exploring this technology, alongside potential ventures in Japan. This strategic expansion into renewable energy signifies JERA's proactive stance in addressing climate change and underscores its commitment to sustainable energy solutions on a global scale.