In a major leap toward sustainable energy innovation, Japan has successfully deployed its first-ever megawatt-scale underwater turbine to tap into the power of ocean currents and generate clean, renewable electricity.
Developed by Japanese engineering giant IHI Corporation, the cutting-edge system—dubbed “Kairyu”, meaning “ocean current” in Japanese—has been installed on the seabed in the Kuroshio Current, one of the world’s strongest ocean flows located off the country’s southeastern coast.
The turbine resembles a giant underwater airplane with twin rotors, spanning over 20 meters in width. Anchored to the ocean floor by sturdy cables, it floats at optimal depth to capture the steady force of the Kuroshio Current, which flows at around 1 to 1.5 meters per second.
The system is designed to:
- Generate over 1 megawatt (MW) of electricity — enough to power hundreds of homes
- Operate continuously with minimal environmental disruption
- Function underwater for long periods with remote monitoring and automated adjustments
While solar and wind power have taken center stage in the clean energy race, ocean current energy is emerging as a reliable, predictable alternative. Unlike wind or sun, ocean currents are consistent and uninterrupted, offering 24/7 energy generation potential.
The Japanese government sees this project as a critical component of its plan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, especially as the country looks to diversify its energy portfolio after the Fukushima nuclear disaster.
A spokesperson for Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) said:
“With the successful deployment of this turbine, Japan is now at the forefront of ocean energy innovation. Our seas will not only feed us but now also help power our homes.”
Japan’s underwater turbine project is a world-first at this scale, signaling a future where the oceans become not just trade routes or ecosystems—but powerful, clean sources of energy. As the world faces growing climate challenges, innovations like these represent a turning tide for sustainable power.
