The market is also expected to attract increased focus and competition from international developers, driven in part by growing uncertainty and a potential slowdown in U.S. offshore wind. The opportunities this growth presents are driving a surge in developers increasing their use of advanced modelling tools to accelerate their site selection and early-stage development processes.
This is evidenced by increased demand for Youwind Renewables’ web-based solution for early-stage offshore wind development. Youwind’s platform has been instrumental in enabling successful offshore wind development across APAC markets, including Japan, South Korea, Australia, and the Philippines.
Over the past two years, seven leading companies—including developers and advisors—have utilized Youwind’s tools to secure 10 successful projects in Japan and other key offshore wind markets with a total capacity of 9 GW.
Operational offshore wind capacity in the APAC region is expected to grow sixfold by 2030, led by countries like Japan, South Korea, China, and Taiwan. Japan alone aims to roll out 10 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030 and scale this to as much as 45 GW by 2040. Japan’s upcoming fourth tendering round, scheduled for early 2025, is a critical opportunity for developers to secure a foothold in one of the world’s most promising markets.
Both Japan and South Korea have already laid the groundwork with previous offshore wind auctions, allocating 4 GW and 6 GW, respectively. These projects are slated to go online by 2026, but the competition for future tenders is intensifying. Developers are under pressure to act swiftly and efficiently to capitalize on these emerging opportunities.
The APAC region’s growth is supported by robust government targets, rapidly advancing technology, and localized turbine manufacturing that addresses regional demand. However, developers face challenges such as regulatory hurdles, supply chain constraints, and the need for comprehensive site assessments. These factors highlight the importance for developers to remain agile and diversify their efforts to capitalize on emerging opportunities and mitigate risks in this rapidly evolving market.
Accessing pre-approved and preliminarily studied sites significantly reduces risk, streamlines permitting, and accelerates project timelines. With wind farm projects growing in scope, developers must now evaluate and model numerous prospective sites simultaneously to remain competitive. Youwind estimates that APAC developers are currently assessing 20 times more projects and configurations than they were five years ago, driven by advances in modelling tools. Youwind’s software itself reduces project site screening times by up to 80%, significantly accelerating development cycles.
“As APAC’s offshore wind market continues to grow at an unprecedented pace, we’re seeing record demand for Youwind’s solutions,” said Anna Rivera, Founder and CEO at Youwind. “This year’s tendering opportunities present a pivotal moment for developers. By adopting a strategic approach and leveraging the right tools, they can ensure long-term success in one of the world’s most dynamic markets.”
