GE Renewable Energy and Toshiba Energy Systems and Solutions Corporation have signed a strategic partnership agreement to localise critical phases of the manufacturing process of GE’s Haliade-X offshore wind turbine in Japan.
The strategic agreement will help GE’s offshore wind technology to be more competitive in upcoming auctions in Japan, the manufacturer said.
Financial terms and specific details were not disclosed. The two companies said that they will leverage their collective technology, manufacturing facilities and skills, construction, operation, and maintenance expertise as part of the agreement.
As part of the strategic partnership, GE will provide the Haliade-X technology, provide parts and components for nacelle assembly, and support Toshiba in jointly developing a local supply chain as well as completing assembly of the nacelles.
Toshiba will assemble, warehouse, transport Haliade-X nacelles, provide preventative maintenance services and have critical sales and commercial responsibilities for the Japanese market.
GE Renewable Energy president and CEO for offshore wind John Lavelle said: “GE and Toshiba have known each other for decades and have proven their successful collaboration though numerous partnerships.
“Toshiba is the strategic partner to help us bring the benefits of offshore wind to Japan.
“Their local manufacturing capabilities, experience in the energy sector, and outstanding reputation in the market make them an invaluable strategic partner.
“Together, we are well positioned to support Japan’s ambitions to be a leader in renewable energy and offshore wind in particular.”
Toshiba Energy Systems and Solutions Corporation president and CEO Mamoru Hatazawa added: “As a long-lasting business partner of GE for decades on power systems businesses, Toshiba is best suited to support GE to create another global leader in offshore wind market.
“Through this strategic alliance, Toshiba will actively participate in offshore wind projects by supplying reliable products and contribute to the spread of renewable energy in Japan.”
The Japanese government plans to award 10 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030 with tenders of 1GW per year.
The plan’s calls for installing 30 to 45GW of offshore wind turbines, including floating offshore wind turbines, by 2040 in part through the development of a competitive domestic supply chain.