Japanese power giants scope strategic floating wind pilot off site of Fukushima nuclear melt-down
Two unit 30MW project to be built by Tokyo Gas and Shinobuyama Fukushima Power using Principle Power platforms in deep waters off west coast of south-east Asian nation
The EIA for the 30MW demo, which will be built around a pair of Principle Power WindFloat platforms moored in 100-120 metres off water off Fukushima prefrecture on the the west coast of the country, is a key step toward commercialisation of Japan’s slow-rolling play.
“This study uses the floating technology of Principle Power, which has a proven track record in Europe, and utilises the know-how obtained through the floating demonstration research project conducted off the coast of Fukushima [last decade] to realise commercialisation. It’s what we aim for,” said the partners.
“Through the EIA, [we] will proceed with this study while obtaining understanding through repeated discussions with local fisheries officials, local residents, and relevant local governments.”
Power production from the project, where winds travels at some seven metres per second, is slated to begin “in 2027”.
The auctions were put on hold earlier in 2022 after the first 1.7GW round was hoovered up entirely by consortia led by Mitsubishi, prompting a look at a redesign of the mechanism before resumption next year.
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