Research and Development Adopted for Revision of Offshore Wind Map (NeoWins)

NEDO has adopted one research and development theme for the revision of the offshore wind map (NeoWins) under its Wind Power Introduction Support Project (hereinafter, this project). This project aims to revise the conventional NeoWins by developing a wind condition simulation model using the latest meteorological and oceanographic data, preparing necessary components for the map, and developing a map viewing system, in response to industry needs arising from the recent increase in wind turbine size and the development of laws and regulations related to wind power generation. Through this project, NEDO aims to establish a more reliable offshore wind map that contributes to the expansion of wind power introduction, by preparing wind condition data at high altitudes (300m or more) and beyond 30km offshore, as well as updating the latest natural and social environmental components. This will contribute to business planning by wind power operators. 1. Overview: Until now, when wind power operators selected suitable sites for wind power plants, the NeoWins (NEDO Offshore Wind Information System) published by NEDO in 2017 and the local wind condition map (hereinafter, onshore wind condition map) published in 2003 played a certain role. However, with the recent increase in wind turbine size, users have requested an update to the map that meets the latest industry needs, as the altitude of wind condition data provided in the offshore wind condition map is insufficient. Against this background, in 2020, NEDO initiated a 'Basic Survey for the Revision of the Offshore Wind Map,' acquiring wind condition observation data from multiple coastal areas. In 2024, it conducted a 'Survey for Specifying Requirements for the Revision of the Offshore Wind Map,' creating a draft specification for the map revision. In this project, NEDO has begun revising NeoWins based on this draft specification and has adopted one research and development theme. Figure 1: Currently published NeoWins. Figure 2: Currently published onshore wind condition map (local wind condition map). 2. Adopted Theme: The research theme adopted this time will define the overall system requirements based on the content organized in the draft specification. In the development of the wind condition simulation model and system, NEDO will verify the accuracy of onshore and offshore wind condition data using wind condition observation data (12 locations) acquired separately through the project and data to be acquired within this project. To prepare wind condition data at high altitudes (300m or more) and beyond 30km offshore, 20 years of WRF*1 2.5km calculations will be performed to prepare statistical information for the entire Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Furthermore, WRF 500m calculations will be additionally performed for onshore areas not covered by the current NeoWins. In addition, new items will be added to the components (natural environment and social environment conditions) in addition to updating existing items, to create a new wind condition map. [1] Project Name: Wind Power Introduction Support Project / Offshore Wind Farm Development Support Project / Revision of Offshore Wind Map (NeoWins). [2] Budget: Approximately 830 million JPY (FY2025-FY2027). [3] Period: FY2025-FY2027 (planned). Adopted Theme Name: Wind Power Introduction Support Project / Offshore Wind Farm Development Support Project / Revision of Offshore Wind Map (NeoWins). Implementing Organizations: Japan Weather Association, Asia Air Survey Co., Ltd., Wind Energy Consulting, Kobe University (subcontract: Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology), National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology. For details on the adopted theme, please refer to the project overview document below. (Attachment 1) Project Overview Document. *Please check 'Attachment 1' from the following URL: https://www.nedo.go.jp/news/press/AA5_101928.html [Note] *1 WRF: Weather Research and Forecasting Model: A meteorological simulation model (mesoscale meteorological model) developed by NCAR (National Center for Atmospheric Research) in the United States and others.