Considering Offshore Wind Power Projects from the Perspective of Regional Policy

Abstract

This article provides a general introduction to the special issue on Offshore Wind Power and the “Regional” Perspective, including fundamental knowledge of the regional aspects of the Act on the Utilization of Sea Areas for Renewable Energy, and implications for regional policy formation. This introduction addresses three main topics: 1. Explaining the purposes and functions of the system in the Act on the Utilization of Sea Areas for Renewable Energy, including (a) project making process, (b) statutory council, (c) local co-existence fund, and (d) future vision of the region; 2. Discussing regional policy for offshore wind power projects, with a particular focus on the (a) perspective of regional policy, (b) framing policy issue, and (c) authorities that plan regional policy; and 3. Introducing a report from City Planning Institute of Japan and a workshop from Japan Association for Planning and Public Management, with the aim of promoting collaboration between practice and academia.