Current Status of Offshore Wind Power and Environmental Impact Assessment in Japan

Abstract

Offshore wind power is capable of stable and efficient power generation and is expected to be a driving force for renewable energy. On the other hand, fishermen are concerned that the noise and vibration generated by offshore wind power will have an irreversible effect on wildlife behavior, especially habitats or migration routes of fish and shellfish, and fishing activities. In this paper, the following three items are summarized in relation to offshore wind power and environmental impact assessment. 1) the trends in the resent legal or public system and environmental impact assessment for the introduction of offshore wind power in Japan. 2) the basic concept of evaluation items when conducting an environmental impact assessment on offshore wind power. 3) the recommendations for the construction of fishery-cooperative offshore wind power that dispels the concerns of fishermen.