Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and GE Vernova have launched a first-of-its-kind Japan-U.S. industry focus group aimed at strengthening energy security, enhancing supply-chain resilience, and driving innovation in key clean energy technologies. This collaboration aligns with Japan’s 7th Strategic Energy Plan, which targets wind power to contribute 4.8% of the national electricity supply by fiscal year 2040. Complementing this, METIâ’s GX (Green Transformation) 2040 Vision introduces the concept of GX Industrial Locations—new industrial zones powered by decarbonized energy to promote regional economic development and reduce carbon emissions.

Under this initiative, GE Vernova and Eurus Energy have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore integrated renewable energy opportunities in northern Hokkaido. The collaboration aims to deploy GE Vernova’s onshore wind turbines and transmit energy to renewable-powered data centers in this region of Japan.

In a parallel development, Mitsubishi Electric and GE Vernova have signed a separate memorandum of understanding to enhance cooperation on IGBT (insulated-gate bipolar transistor) power semiconductors used in VSC-HVDC transmission systems. Mitsubishi Electric, which currently holds the leading global market share in VSC-HVDC power semiconductors, is advancing IGBT technology known for high reliability, voltage resistance, and current capacity. The company plans to scale up production to meet growing global demand for HVDC transmission infrastructure.

Other global players have previously adopted a similar approach of aligning semiconductor procurement strategies with HVDC expansion. Hitachi Energy’s semiconductor division has signed a multi-year supply framework agreement with ABB Traction, positioning ABB as a key customer for its IGBT modules. Siemens Energy has partnered with Infineon Technologies to establish a joint venture focused on the development and production of bipolar high-power semiconductors for HVDC systems.

According to PTR, Japan is expected to add approximately 13 GW of VSC-HVDC transmission capacity between 2024 and 2030, so with this move GE Vernova can expand its presence in the market. Moreover, this effort mirrors similar collaborative frameworks of GE Vernova previously seen in South Korea, where the government’s and KEPCO’s 10th Long-Term Transmission and Substation Facility Plan includes plans to harness 12 GW of offshore wind by 2030 and develop six new HVDC transmission projects, including cross-border interconnections with China and Japan.

Thus, these coordinated efforts across design, production, and logistics especially under Japanese and U.S. policy guidance aim to establish a resilient and efficient HVDC supply chain across East Asia.