Why Japan Is Looking to Ireland and Wales for Clean Energy Partnerships
The global clean energy transition is accelerating—but not at the same pace everywhere. While many regions are still figuring out how to attract the right capital, talent, and technology, Ireland and Wales are quietly positioning themselves as key players in the next phase of green energy investment.
This hasn’t gone unnoticed in Japan.
Through the launch of the Japan-European Development Corridor, The Delphi Network is opening new pathways for Japan-European renewable energy investment, with Ireland and Wales at the center of its strategy. But why these two regions? And why now?
Let’s explore the economic, environmental, and diplomatic logic behind Japan’s growing interest in forming clean energy partnerships with European counterparts—and what it means for stakeholders on this side of the continent.
Long-Term Capital Meets Long-Term Vision
Japan is home to some of the world’s most technically advanced and globally minded energy companies. With years of experience in large-scale infrastructure, hydrogen technology, and grid optimization, these firms are actively seeking new markets to deploy their expertise. But they’re not looking for just any opportunity—they’re looking for stable, forward-looking partnerships grounded in trust.
Ireland and Wales fit the bill.
Both regions offer:
Predictable regulatory environments with clear energy transition targets
A growing pipeline of renewable energy projects, from offshore wind to green hydrogen
Access to EU markets and funding mechanisms, including Horizon Europe and the Connecting Europe Facility
Strong local government support for sustainable development
From Japan’s perspective, these factors create a rare balance of risk mitigation and growth potential.
Cultural Alignment: Patience, Precision, Partnership
Unlike short-term capital flows or speculative venture plays, Japanese investment tends to be cautious, methodical, and relationship-driven. This makes it ideally suited to infrastructure projects that demand long timelines and stakeholder consensus.
Wales and Ireland—particularly at the regional and municipal levels—have demonstrated a remarkable openness to foreign collaboration that respects local values. In both nations, trust and long-term alignment matter, which aligns closely with Japanese business culture.
What’s emerging through the Japan-European Development Corridor is not just a new investment channel—it’s a new model of cross-continental clean energy cooperation rooted in shared intent and mutual benefit.
Why Ireland?
Ireland is rapidly becoming one of Europe’s clean energy leaders. Its ambition to become a net exporter of renewable power by 2030 has drawn the attention of developers across the globe. From massive offshore wind tenders to its hydrogen strategy and smart grid initiatives, Ireland represents a high-value opportunity for Japanese investors with global experience in clean infrastructure.
Key highlights for Japanese partners:
The Celtic Interconnector linking Ireland and France supports cross-border energy trade
Strong policy frameworks like the Climate Action Plan 2024 provide long-term clarity
National-level enthusiasm for foreign partnerships, particularly with high-trust investors
Through The Delphi Network, Japanese firms are gaining access not just to projects—but to insightful, well-positioned local collaborators who can help bring those projects to life.
Why Wales?
Wales has long flown under the radar in global energy discussions, but that’s changing. With one of the highest tidal ranges in the world, enormous offshore wind potential, and devolved control over many aspects of environmental policy, Wales is emerging as a clean energy innovator with global ambitions.
Key advantages for international collaboration include:
A growing network of local authorities keen to engage with global stakeholders
Community-centric energy models that welcome strategic foreign involvement
Major infrastructure developments, including port upgrades and wind leasing zones
For Japan, Wales offers the chance to co-develop impactful, community-aligned projects that demonstrate both technological leadership and social value.
What This Means for European Stakeholders
The Japan-European Development Corridor isn’t just about inbound investment—it’s about building two-way bridges between regions that share a deep commitment to decarbonization, energy resilience, and economic transformation.
If you’re a developer, policymaker, or clean-tech entrepreneur based in Ireland or Wales, this is the time to think globally. The Delphi Network is actively facilitating partnerships that go beyond funding. We’re curating strategic relationships, providing market intelligence, and aligning capital with projects that serve both local communities and global sustainability goals.
A New Chapter for Clean Energy Diplomacy
The Japan-Europe story is no longer one of export and import—it’s becoming one of co-creation. And as Ireland and Wales continue to prove themselves as agile, innovative, and internationally engaged, they are poised to play a defining role in how global climate cooperation evolves.
The Delphi Network is proud to help shape that evolution. Through trusted relationships, actionable insight, and long-term thinking, we’re not just moving capital—we’re building the future.
