RWE Offshore Wind, in collaboration with Mitsui and Osaka Gas, has won a contract from the Japan Government to develop, construct, and operate a fixed-bottom offshore wind farm off the coast of Murakami and Tainai cities in Niigata Prefecture, Japan.
This strategic selection aligns with Japan’s strategic vision of bolstering offshore wind power capacity as a crucial element in achieving its goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.
The consortium’s venture is slated to deliver a substantial offshore wind farm boasting a planned capacity of 684 megawatts (MW). RWE said the wind power farm, comprising 38 wind turbines, is set for full commissioning by June 2029.
Markus Krebber, CEO of RWE AG, expressed his pride in this milestone achievement, stating, “Offshore wind’s growing momentum in Japan is a testament to our selection as a trusted partner to the Japanese Government alongside our esteemed Japanese partners. This marks RWE’s inaugural success in an offshore wind tender in Japan and the broader APAC region.”
The consortium’s agenda involves liaising with the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) to secure the public occupancy plan’s approval. Furthermore, active engagement with local partners, authorities, communities, and fisheries remains a priority to ensure a seamless realization of this offshore wind farm.
RWE, a powerhouse in offshore wind, boasts a track record spanning over two decades in developing, building, and efficiently operating 19 offshore wind farms worldwide. With two wind farms currently under construction in Europe and numerous offshore projects in the pipeline globally, RWE aims to elevate its global offshore wind capacity from 3.3 GW to 10 GW by 2030.
In Japan, RWE’s presence in Tokyo and regional offices staffed with over 50 experienced employees underscores its commitment. The Japanese team collaborates with nearly 2,000 global offshore experts. Additionally, RWE actively engages in power trading activities within Japan, contributing to the nation’s energy landscape.