The withdrawal from three offshore wind-power projects by Japan¡¯s Mitsubishi Corp. comes as a blow to the energy import-reliant nation¡¯s plan to expand renewable energy production, just as similar projects face setbacks worldwide.

While some worry that the retreat by Japan¡¯s largest trading house could trigger a domino effect that leads other operators to drop out, Mitsubishi¡¯s case might be unique, and the implications might be limited, some researchers argue.

On Wednesday, Mitsubishi announced it would terminate operations in three offshore areas, citing unexpected costs in a changing economic environment.