For the development of offshore wind power generation - Domestic research trends and current status in the field of wind and ocean conditions, and the ideal state of industry-government-academia collaboration (Part 2)

In this special feature, we have invited Professor Osawa Teruo (Wind Conditions Division, Rera Tech Inc. Technical Advisor), and Assistant Professor Fujiwara Yasushi (Ocean Meteorology Division) from the Graduate School of Maritime Sciences, Kobe University, along with Rera Tech Inc. and Kobe University academic researchers Konagaya and Misaki, to discuss the current state and challenges of offshore wind power research in Japan, and the importance of industry-government-academia collaboration. 

First partSo, we have looked at the domestic research trends for 2025. In the second part, we will talk about the collaboration between industry, government and academia that is important for the development of the offshore wind power market. 

Examples and challenges of industry-government-academia collaboration in the field of wind and sea conditions 

Fujiwara:Although this is an example of collaboration solely between industry and academia, in the field of ocean conditions, a university is observing data using sensors installed on fishing boats and fixed nets, predicting water temperature and conditions in coastal waters, and providing people involved in the fishing industry with information on ocean conditions several weeks in the future. 

If we incorporate ecosystem simulations into this and develop it further, we will be able to provide information on the best fishing grounds for each day. If the predictions made with this data come true and are trusted by those involved in the fishing industry, we could start working together to create an ocean forecasting system. 

I think this is a very good example of industry-academia collaboration. 

Osawa:Kobe University and Relatec are also participating.Mutsu Ogawara Offshore Wind Observation Test SiteThe establishment and operation of the (hereinafter referred to as the "test site") is a very good example of the concrete results of industry-government-academia collaboration. I think the reason the test site has become a place that benefits many stakeholders is because of the support from the government and the collaboration between the Japan Weather Association, which has a great influence in this field, and the local company Kitanihon Kaiji Kogyo. 

In implementing the system in society, I have had more opportunities to exchange opinions with a variety of players, and I can see the possibility of using it in various projects. Of course, there are some challenges in running the system. I would like to contribute to the development of offshore wind power in Japan by taking responsibility in each position and proceeding with an awareness of transparency, while being careful about issues such as conflicts of interest and reconciling the interests of industry, government, and academia. 

Possibility of opening Mutsu Ogawara offshore wind observation test site 

Misaki:The use of the test site has promoted the open access of data, something that researchers like us have struggled with for many years, and has created an environment in which more people can generally use the data. By fulfilling this role, I feel that we can contribute not only to the development of offshore wind power generation in Japan, but also to the development of academia and the industry as a whole. At ReraTech, we would also like to use this test site as a hub to accelerate the open-sourceization of data. 
 
Konagaya:Furthermore, we believe that this test site will be useful not only for wind power generation, but also for research and development in other fields, including oceanography, as well as for educational use. It will also be valuable as a valuable field where students and other young people can learn on-site. 
 
Contributing to the local community is also a key point. We are currently exchanging ideas with technical colleges and universities in Aomori Prefecture about human resource development and joint research. The test site has great potential in terms of human resource development, educational use, and providing a place for working students to study while working. We see this as a theme that should be pursued not only by us, but also in cooperation with other players, with the cooperation of industry, government, and academia. 

Rera Tech's current position as a bridge between academia and industry

Konagaya:Four years have passed since the launch of Rera Tech, and through our ongoing industry-academia collaboration activities, we have come to see more clearly what we have been doing well and what needs improvement. The issues we are currently facing have changed significantly from what we were working on in the early days, and we realize that it is important to make sure we keep up with these changes while formulating our next plan.  
 
Every day, we have many opportunities to hear directly from private companies about issues they face in the field. The flexibility and agility to develop future research plans in cooperation with Kobe University based on the voices of the field is a major strength of Relatec, which practices industry-academia collaboration. 
 
Furthermore, by utilizing bases such as test sites, it has become easier to create frameworks for joint research. I feel that by proactively disclosing data to the public and using it to develop human resources, we are also playing a role as a platform for returning the benefits of industry-academia collaboration to society. 
 
Osawa:The reality is that it is extremely difficult to obtain actual data such as wind observations at sea simply by staying in a university laboratory. It is not easy to conduct large-scale observations of offshore wind power generation with a limited research budget. 
 
If we can use data from actual ocean areas in our laboratory through collaboration with private companies and national projects like Rera Tech, we will be able to conduct numerical simulations using actual ocean area data, rather than just armchair theories. This will greatly contribute to the development of research. 
 
Furthermore, the university will provide feedback on the results of their research to Relatec. This collaboration will also contribute to their work. This will then be returned to society as a whole, so I think it creates a very virtuous cycle. 

Creating an environment in which the next generation can thrive is the key to the industry's development

Osawa:In the future, we would like to further deepen our collaboration with Relatec in terms of nurturing the next generation. For example, we would like to have Misaki-san, who is also an academic researcher at Kobe University, and other members of Rera Tech Inc. participate in our seminars and become directly involved in student activities. 

It would also be desirable to have students choose specific issues from the field as themes for their graduation research or master's thesis. If we can advance research that reflects the needs of industry, I believe the bridge between academia and industry will be further strengthened. 

Misaki:Human resource development is an important aspect. I want the wind power industry to be an industry where the younger generation can play an active role. However, I have many opportunities to interact with students at Kobe University, and the reality is that students have few opportunities to come into contact with the industrial world before entering society. I consider improving this environment to be one of our important roles. 

Through internships and joint research projects, students hear directly about on-site issues and the voices of working people, and are exposed to the latest technology and actual conditions on the ground, which deepens their interactions and promotes their understanding of the industrial world. 

If these efforts continue, students will be motivated to get involved in the wind power industry, which should result in stronger collaboration between industry, government, and academia. Two approaches are essential to promote human resource development: the national government must put forward solid policies, while the academic world must actively build bridges with the private and industrial sectors. 

Konagaya:In recent years, I feel that the number of people studying while working, such as working doctors, is increasing in the wind power industry. I myself studied as a working doctor, and the increase in such learning options is very important for the growth of the entire industry. 

By further deepening the collaboration between Rera Tech Inc. and Kobe University, we hope to work towards creating a framework for developing talent that can learn while working and contribute to the industry. 

Ideal industry-government-academia collaboration for the development of offshore wind power generation 

Osawa:Collaboration between industry, government and academia is essential for the development of offshore wind power generation. Collaboration between industry and academia is relatively common, but there are actually very few cases in which the government is also involved. 

Offshore Wind Observation GuidebookAs mentioned above, one form of industry-academia-government collaboration is when universities and companies jointly conduct research as part of a national project and disseminate the results under the name of the government. However, it is rare for the three parties to share the same goal and proceed with the project together. 

The trial site initiative is a unique example in that the government was involved in the initial construction of the facilities, and the current operation is led by industry and academia. If the government were to provide ongoing support, such as by covering maintenance costs, we believe this would lead to a more fully-fledged collaboration between industry, government, and academia. 

At present, there are still some areas that are not perfect, but there is no doubt that the efforts at this test site have made an impact. We would like to use this as a starting point to build a foundation that can contribute to the development of offshore wind power in Japan. 

Misaki:I agree. I feel that collaboration with government agencies (national and local governments) is weaker than with universities and research institutes. 

One example is marine spatial planning, which determines how to utilize marine resources. Recently, there have been more opportunities to discuss such topics at seminars and other events, and I feel that the country is being asked to decide on a clear policy. I would like to see the development of offshore wind power generation by putting effort into technological development and human resource development, with industry, government, and academia pooling their strengths in their respective fields. 

Fujiwara:There are still only a limited number of examples of industry-government-academia collaboration in the field of offshore wind power, and research to date has mainly been conducted jointly using university facilities. However, like the test site, which was established with government involvement from the beginning with the aim of "opening up data," and in which companies are proactively involved in observation activities, this is a very new initiative, and I feel that it will be important for the future development of offshore wind power generation. 

In the field of oceanography, ocean simulation technology has evolved in recent years, and data-based social implementation is progressing. We hope that as these technologies continue to develop and are combined with observational data, many synergistic effects will be created. 

Konagaya:Regarding offshore wind power generation, Japan is facing the challenge that "what is theoretically correct does not necessarily translate directly into a system." Another major problem is that the system itself is not yet in place in Japan. 

There is a danger that we could fall into the worst-case scenario of making overly cautious, passive decisions when creating the system, resulting in a lack of profitability and no development of offshore wind power. That is why it is important to have a comprehensive approach in which industry, academia, and government work closely together, with academic institutions providing the theoretical foundations while the private and industrial sectors provide support for issues of cost and practicality. 

Not only national projects, but also the JIP method^■I think it is important for the private sector and industry to take the lead in creating programs to solve problems and to solve them quickly. I would like to propose such initiatives in the future while utilizing the test site. 

*JIP method: Abbreviation for Joint Industry Project method. It refers to a technology development project in which a council is formed mainly of power generation companies and multiple private companies contribute development funds. 

As wind condition consultants, Rera Tech Inc. will carry out optimal wind condition surveys that combine "observation" and "estimation" for wind power generation.

References 

Mutsu Ogawara Offshore Wind Observation Test Site 
https://mo-testsite.com
NEDO, Offshore Wind Observation Guidebook, June 2023, 6, 
https://www.nedo.go.jp/library/fuukyou_kansoku_guidebook.html