One of Japan's major offshore wind farms, developed by Tokyo-based Green Power Investment, has officially commenced commercial operations in the Hokkaido prefecture. Situated in Ishikari Bay off the western coast of Hokkaido, the facility comprises 14 turbines, each towering at 196 meters.
The wind farm became operational at the beginning of the year and is anticipated to generate electricity for approximately 83,000 households. The power produced will be supplied to a local utility company. Additionally, there are strategic plans to utilize the generated electricity for the production of hydrogen, aligning with the vision for next-generation power sources.
Japan's government has prioritized offshore wind power generation as a crucial component of its renewable energy strategy, integral to the nation's broader decarbonization efforts.
In a significant move last year, Japan's largest thermal power producer, Jera, and IT giant NTT jointly acquired Green Power Investment at a cost of approximately 300 billion yen, equivalent to around 2.1 billion dollars. This acquisition marked the highest-ever amount paid for a Japanese renewable energy firm.
Jera is set to play a primary role in the operational aspects of the newly inaugurated wind farm, emphasizing the collaborative efforts of industry leaders to drive sustainable energy solutions in Japan.
