By Greentech Lead Asia: A consortium made up of leading
Japanese companies and researchers are participating in an experimental
offshore floating wind farm project sponsored by the Ministry of Economy, Trade
and Industry (METI). This experimental project is expected to spawn a new
industry in renewable energy and create employment as part of recovery efforts
in the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake.
The project consists of three floating wind turbines and
one floating power sub-station off the coast of Fukushima. The first stage of
this experimental project will begin in 2012 and consists of one 2MW floating
wind turbine, the world’s first 66kV floating power sub-station and undersea
cable. Two 7MW wind turbines will be added between 2013 and 2015 in the second
stage.
The consortium will maintain good relations with the
local fishery industry through strong communication to ensure the coexistence
of the fishery industry with the offshore wind farm industry. The consortium
also will pursue the commercialization of this offshore wind farm project.
Creating a practical wind farm business scheme through
this experimental project could lead to the deployment of large scale floating
wind farms in the future. Moreover, taking advantage of the experience and
knowledge gained through this, the world’s first floating wind farm, and this
business could be expanded on a global basis and lead to the development of a
new Japanese export industry.
The companies and researchers in the consortium include
Marubeni (project integrator), the University of Tokyo, Mitsubishi, Mitsubishi
Heavy Industries, IHI Marine United, Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding,
Nippon Steel, Hitachi, Furukawa Electric, Shimizu and Mizuho Information &
Research.