Vestas Eyes Japan Nacelle Assembly Hub by 2029

By Simon West

Vestas has signed a memorandum of cooperation (MoC) with the Japanese government to advance plans for a wind turbine manufacturing base in the country.

Under the deal, Vestas will collaborate with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) to establish a nacelle assembly plant in Japan by 2029, subject to conditions including securing firm turbine orders through the country’s auction system.

The two parties will also develop a roadmap toward “full nacelle assembly” by 2039, contingent on further provisos including the “continued expansion of the Japanese offshore wind market, Vestas securing sufficient volume of orders, and greater long‑term visibility on future auction pipelines.”

The agreement follows the creation of a joint working group in July 2025 aimed at identifying ways to accelerate large-scale deployment of onshore and offshore wind while boosting investment in local supply chains.

“As Japan advances its energy policy, we look forward to supporting the continuous and stable large‑scale deployment of wind energy and to working alongside METI as a key partner in this effort,” said Raphael Huot, vice president for sales in Asia and country manager for Japan at Vestas.

Vestas has also signed separate memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with logistics specialists Nippon Express and DENZAI to strengthen supply chain cooperation in Japan. Huot said the MoUs would “help ensure the safe and efficient execution of projects and enhance our readiness for upcoming large‑scale deployments.”

Since delivering its first turbine in Japan in 1993, Vestas has installed more than 1.8 gigawatts (GW) of wind power nationwide, including the Kitakyushu Hibikinada offshore project, one of Japan’s largest.

Vestas is a member of the Breakbulk Global Shipper Network.

Image courtesy of Vestas Wind Systems A/S