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A Significant Partnership in Offshore Wind Energy

Albatross Technology, headquartered in Chuo, Tokyo, has formed a strategic capital and business alliance with Sumitomo Heavy Industries based in Shinagawa, Tokyo. This partnership aims to hasten the development and social acceptance of innovative floating offshore wind turbines, a crucial step toward enhancing Japan’s energy security and transitioning towards sustainable energy sources.

Objectives of the Collaboration

This joint effort is not just about technological innovation; it contributes to Japan's GX (Green Transformation) initiatives and the establishment of renewable energy as a core power source. By integrating the strengths of both companies in design, manufacturing, and business development, they aim to bring the next-generation Floating Axis Wind Turbine (FAWT) to market swiftly and expand its global reach.

The collaboration is also focused on establishing a domestic supply chain for the design, manufacture, installation, and maintenance of these wind turbines, thereby lowering costs and facilitating broader adoption of this essential renewable energy technology.


Illustration of a FAWT Wind Farm

Background and Purpose of Floating Offshore Wind Energy

Japan, being an island nation with one of the world's largest Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ), has a tremendous opportunity to secure homegrown energy sources through floating offshore wind power. This not only aids in reducing dependence on energy imports but also ensures a stable electricity supply—strengthening energy security in the long run.

Floating offshore wind energy presents a unique opportunity for industry growth, with diverse stakeholders expected to engage in its various phases—design, manufacturing, installation, operation, and maintenance. This shift is anticipated to invigorate local economies, particularly in coastal areas, and create sustainable industrial foundations.

Albatross Technology has been dedicated to the realization of domestically produced large floating offshore wind energy systems, employing its proprietary technologies for the optimal design of turbine blades, floating structures, and anchoring systems.

Since 2024, the FAWT Consortium, now including Sumitomo Heavy Industries, has been actively participating in NEDO-commissioned projects and conducting offshore experiments off the coast of Iki City, Nagasaki. This partnership marks a transition to the next phase of these initiatives, from research and development to commercialization and practical implementation.

Future Prospects

With this partnership as a catalyst, Albatross Technology plans to move towards its demonstration phase, utilizing a new 2 MW class large-scale offshore demonstrator. Engagement with local governments, port authorities, and regional businesses will be prioritized during this stage.

Alongside R&D efforts, there will also be an emphasis on global market development, accelerating operations in the burgeoning floating offshore wind market worldwide, and aiming for commercial production and large-scale deployment.

This alliance represents a critical milestone on the path to mass production and commercialization, providing a foundation for future business growth and funding strategies.


Conceptual Image of a FAWT Megawatt System

Comments from Key Leaders

Hiroshi Akimoto, President of Albatross Technology, expressed his enthusiasm by stating, "We are thrilled that this partnership with Sumitomo Heavy Industries significantly advances our technology towards social implementation. Together, we aim to leverage Albatross’s turbine design capabilities combined with Sumitomo Heavy Industries’ production expertise to expedite the commercialization of domestically produced floating offshore wind turbines and expand this technology globally."

Kazuhiro Ito, Director of Business Development at Sumitomo Heavy Industries, noted, "Our strategic partnership with Albatross Technology marks a pioneering step towards realizing carbon neutrality, particularly in the floating wind power sector. We are committed to accelerating the practical application and commercialization of new technologies, as well as establishing domestic supply chains to bolster Japan's energy transition and enhance industrial competitiveness."

Company Overview

Company Name: Albatross Technology Inc.
President: Hiroshi Akimoto
Location: 2-12-5 Ningyocho, Chuo, Tokyo, Japan
Established: Founded as a limited liability company in 2012; became a corporation in July 2022
Business Focus: Technology development related to marine renewable energy utilization
Corporate Website: Albatross Technology