GK Happo Noshiro Offshore Wind (an operating company consortium consisting of Japan Renewable Energy Corporation (JRE), Iberdrola and Tohoku Electric Power) has been appointed as the operator of a new 375 MW offshore windfarm to be located off the coast of Happo Town and Noshiro City, Akita Prefecture, Japan.
The operating company entered the auction under the “Law Concerning the Promotion of Utilization of Sea Area for Development of Offshore Renewable Energy Power Facilities” and has been appointed as the operator today (22 March 2024) by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry and Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. In addition to the three members of the consortium, in which JRE is the reference company, Akita Bank LTD will also contribute to the project.
The project will install 25 fixed bottom foundation wind turbines, each with a capacity of 15 MW, off the coast of Happo Town and Noshiro City, Akita Prefecture, using monopile foundations. The power plant capacity will be is 375 MW, one of the largest in Japan.
The start construction is scheduled in 2026, following construction preparation, and the start of operations is scheduled for 2029. During the anticipated 30-year lifespan, the project will contribute to the medium-to long-term regional development and domestic industrial development through the long-term stable operation of renewable energy and the development of supply chains. The three members of the operating companies, JRE, Iberdrola, and Tohoku Electric Power will be involved in all aspects of business execution, including development and operation. Akita Bank, together with its members, will cooperate with local companies and support the implementation of regional development measures.
The operating company is engaging with local communities and will continue to discuss and implement a range of measures to enhance co-existence and co-prosperity. By providing a stable and large-scale supply of clean energy from offshore wind power for many years to come, the project will make an important contribution towards achieving Japan’s goal to be a carbon-neutral society by 2050.
