The Sustainability Imperative: Decarbonization & Nature Restoration for a Resilient Future

Panel 1: Unleashing Japan's offshore wind potential to reach new heights

Although Japan was the first country to build an offshore wind project in the region 20 years ago, Japan currently has only 136 MW of offshore wind power installed by 2022. The government approved the “Vision for Offshore Wind Industry” with the aim of achieving 10 GW of offshore wind by 2030 and 30–45 GW by 2040. To accelerate offshore wind expansion in Japan, the government has approved a draft amendment to existing legislation which would allow wind farms to be installed further out to sea from current territorial and internal waters.

All of the world's leading renewable energy companies have offices in Japan, including Orsted, RWE, BP, Equinor, and Iberdrola. RWE was the only foreign company to win 684MW of wind power in a consortium with a Japanese partner for three projects in the second round. In January, the government launched a third round of auctions to select operators for two new offshore wind power areas capable of generating 1.05 GW in the northern part of the country, with results due in December.

This panel will feature representatives from companies involved in offshore wind development in Japan and discuss challenges and opportunities.

Moderator:
Mr. Jean-François RÉBEILLÉ, Principal, ReTo Conseil
Panelistes:
Mr. Tom Walsh, Head of Offshore Development – Japan, RWE Renewables Japan G.K.
Mr. Hisafumi Manabe, President & CEO, Marubeni Offshore Wind Development Corporation
Ms. Minako Wakabayashi, Partner – Energy & Infrastructure, Orrick Tokyo Law Offices & Auditor, Japan Wind Power Association (JWPA)

Panel 2: Biodiversity: The Untapped Opportunity for Business Resilience and Growth

The world is waking up to the critical role of biodiversity in a healthy planet and a thriving economy. The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (often referred to as the "Paris Agreement for Biodiversity") adopted in 2021 set ambitious global goals for protecting and restoring nature.  Governments, businesses, and civil society organizations are now translating these goals into action plans with concrete measures. With the upcoming COP16 on Biological Diversity opening in Colombia in October, the momentum for global action on biodiversity is stronger than ever.

In spring this year, the European Union has adopted groundbreaking new regulations to restore forests and to improve due diligence on supply chain impacts on nature. In Asia, Japan has emerged as a leader by having the highest number of companies adopting the new TNFD framework – an international set of recommendations for businesses to disclose their nature-related risks to investors.

Moving beyond the symbols of nature conservation like pandas and dolphins, biodiversity loss poses a significant risk to all industries, especially those relying heavily on ecosystem services. These services include, but are not limited to, pollination, clean water, and soil fertility. Estimates suggest 55% of the global economy directly depends on a healthy and functioning biosphere.

This panel will feature representatives from companies directly grappling with biodiversity challenges and developing solutions. Join us as we explore:

• Measuring & Disclosing Biodiversity Impact: Innovative approaches companies are taking to quantify and communicate their impact on nature.
• Transforming to Become Nature-Positive: Strategies companies are implementing to reduce their biodiversity footprint and contribute to a net positive impact.
• Public Policy and Regulatory Landscape: How evolving public policies and regulations around biodiversity are impacting businesses, and how companies can navigate this changing landscape.
• Opportunities in Sustainability: How businesses can leverage biodiversity considerations to build resilience, enhance brand reputation, and unlock new market opportunities.

Moderator :
Stefan Le Du, General Manager, Head of Sustainability Intelligence, Asuene

Panelists:
Jun Suzuki, L'Oreal for the Future Japan Hub Coordinator

Timetable: 

17:30-18:00             Door opening

18:00-18:10             Opening remarks

18:10-18:50       Panel 1 – Unleashing Japan's offshore wind potential to reach new heights

18:50-19:30       Panel 2 – Biodiversity: The Untapped Opportunity for Business Resilience and Growth

19:30-19:40             Closing remarks

19:40-20:30             Networking

Speaker(s)

Jean-François RÉBEILLÉEBC Committee Chair - Energy Committee

Thomas WalshHead of Offshore Development at RWE Renewables Japan GK

Hisafumi Manabe 真鍋　寿史President & CEO, Marubeni Offshore Wind Development Corporation

Minako Wakabayashi 若林美奈子A partner in Orrick’s Tokyo office

Stéfan Le DûGeneral Manager, Head of Sustainability Intelligence, Asuene

Hirotaka HIDESHIMACounsellor on Global Strategy to President and the Board of Directors of the Norinchukin Bank

Jun SuzukiL'Oreal for the Future Japan Hub Coordinator, NIHON L'OREAL K.K.

Yuriko IwasakiHead of Communications, Unilever Japan Holdings

Event Location