Japan and UK Discuss Offshore Wind Energy Alliance

Japan and the United Kingdom are considering establishing a new framework to strengthen cooperation in the development of offshore wind power plants. The move comes as renewable energy regains focus amid increasing uncertainty over energy supplies due to conflict in the Middle East. Japanese government sources stated on Thursday that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer are expected to exchange a memorandum of cooperation in the energy sector when they meet in London this Sunday. The memorandum covers not only offshore wind development but also cooperation on next-generation nuclear power plants and nuclear fusion technology. The two leaders are also preparing a joint statement on economic security focusing on energy cooperation. In the statement, they are expected to voice concerns regarding coercive economic practices, including export restrictions on critical minerals, which is believed to refer to China. The meeting in London will be the first summit between Takaichi and Starmer since they met in Tokyo last January. The talks take place as the UK and several European countries continue to develop major offshore wind energy projects in the North Sea region. As a country poor in energy resources, Japan has long relied heavily on crude oil imports from the Middle East. However, rising regional tensions since the outbreak of war between the United States-Israel and Iran at the end of February have prompted Tokyo to accelerate the diversification of its energy sources. Beyond energy issues, Takaichi and Starmer will also agree to strengthen bilateral partnership in innovation and advanced technology, including artificial intelligence and semiconductors. Both countries will also affirm the importance of building resilient and sustainable supply chains. The same sources indicated the agenda also includes a next-generation fighter jet development project involving Japan, the UK, and Italy. In addition, both nations will discuss defence industry cooperation, cybersecurity, and intelligence activities. Regarding the situation in the Middle East, the two leaders are expected to discuss efforts to ensure maritime safety in the Strait of Hormuz, the vital global energy trade route currently effectively closed due to escalating conflict. During these discussions, a UK proposal to deploy a multinational force to the region may emerge. Besides meeting Starmer, Takaichi is scheduled to visit Italy on Monday to meet Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Afterwards, she will attend the Group of Seven summit taking place over three days in Evian, France, until Wednesday next week.