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DNV GL provides technical and market advice to Tokyo Gas on USD 22 million investment in Principle Power floating wind technology

Technical due diligence supports draws on DNV GL global leadership in floating wind technology.

TOKYO, Japan, 30th July 2020  – DNV GL, the world's largest resource of independent energy experts and certification body, has supported Tokyo Gas with an assessment of key technical and market risks ahead of a USD 22 million investment in Principle Power Inc.’s WindFloat® technology. 

With its ability to operate in harsh conditions and strong wind flow, floating wind offers countries around the world a way to expand wind resources by enabling production at deep water sites. Consequently, floating wind is predicted to grow worldwide, rising from the around 100 MW today to 100 GW in 2040 according to a recent DNV GL analysis. 

Japan has a uniquely demanding energy need and, with the deep waters combined with strong winds, the country is looked at as one of the countries where floating wind energy could mature and commercialize.

As a major player in the Japanese energy industry, Tokyo Gas is working to build renewable energy sources both in Japan and globally, and beyond to achieve net-zero CO2 emissions, as set out in its Vision “Compass2030”. 

Tokyo Gas was interested in investing in Principle Power’s WindFloat® as part of this ambition and called on DNV GL as an established local partner with proven experience in floating wind technologies and insights into new markets such as Japan. In its role of exclusive technical advisor to Tokyo Gas for this deal, DNV GL assessed the risks of deploying such technology in the Japanese and global markets as well as the specifics of Principle Power’s WindFloat® technology, including a comparison with other floating wind technologies available worldwide. 

“We have a strong local team in Japan who were able to leverage our center of excellence for floating wind located in Norway to support Tokyo Gas in assessing this investment. As floating wind is deployed around the globe, our center of excellence is ready to bring this support to many other customers as well,” said Nicholas Renon, Executive Vice President for DNV GL’s Energy business in Asia Pacific. 

DNV GL is the leading provider of technical due diligence for banks and investors, with involvement in multiple projects and market. Its expertise in both technology and project deployment stems from a long legacy in supporting oil and gas projects, bottom fixed offshore wind projects and more recently floating wind projects. 

About DNV GL
DNV GL is the independent expert in risk management and quality assurance, operating in more than 100 countries. Through its broad experience and deep expertise DNV GL advances safety and sustainable performance, sets industry benchmarks, and inspires and invents solutions. Whether assessing a new ship design, optimizing the performance of a wind farm, analyzing sensor data from a gas pipeline or certifying a food company’s supply chain, DNV GL enables its customers and their stakeholders to make critical decisions with confidence. 

Driven by its purpose, to safeguard life, property, and the environment, DNV GL helps tackle the challenges and global transformations facing its customers and the world today and is a trusted voice for many of the world’s most successful and forward-thinking companies.

In the power and renewables industry
DNV GL delivers advisory, certification and testing services to stakeholders in the energy value chain. Our expertise spans energy markets and regulations, onshore and offshore wind and solar power generation, power transmission and distribution grids, energy storage and sustainable energy use. Our experts support customers around the globe in delivering a safe, reliable, efficient, and sustainable energy supply.

Learn more at www.dnvgl.com/power-renewables