JAPAN:  Ocean Energy Association Japan (OEAJ) is proposing to meet 10 per cent of Japan's energy needs from ocean energy by 2050.  The recommendation was part of a report submitted to the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organisation, a governmental body set up to develop new oil alternative technologies in the 1980s.

OEAJ is hoping to kick-start the second stage of wave development in the country.  The association is aiming to develop new wave power devices capable of generating outputs at JPY20 (US$0.20) per kWh during the second stage development.

Japan is among the pioneers behind the modern wave developments in the 1970s.  Major wave power inventions originating from Japan include the Oscillating Wave Column (OWC) and Kaimei in the 1970s.  The OWC technology is commonly applied to wave developments following the 1970s.

Japanese wave devices are often designed with the aim of improving the country's mariculture as well as generating energy outputs.  The 1990s Mighty Whale is said to serve as a wave absorption device to create a conducive breeding ground for marine life and an area perfect for swimming and fishing.

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