The Goto Floating Wind Farm consortium has begun commercial operations at its offshore wind project off the coast of Goto, marking Japan’s first commercial floating offshore wind farm certified under the Marine Renewable Energy Sea-Area Utilization Act.
The consortium, backed by shareholders including Toda Corp, Eneos and Kanai Electric, said the project uses a hybrid spar-type floating foundation featuring a steel upper structure and a concrete lower section. The floater was designed and built by Toda, the companies said.
Local companies were involved in the construction of the wind farm and are expected to play a role in its ongoing operations and maintenance. Electricity generated by the project will be supplied preferentially to local retail power providers, according to the consortium.
“Through the long-term operation of this wind farm, we aim to promote renewable energy and contribute to improving the quality of life in local communities,” the companies said in a statement.
Japan has identified floating offshore wind as a key technology for expanding renewable energy capacity in deeper coastal waters, with policymakers seeking to build domestic supply chains and increase regional economic benefits.
