Two Japanese offshore wind turbines to come online

The government is partnering with TEPCO and J-Power to run the turbines.

Japan will begin operating two offshore wind turbines in its continuing effort to diversify its energy mix and develop wind turbine technologies.

A 2.4-megawatt turbine has been installed off Choshi in Chiba prefecture in a research project with Tokyo Electric Power Company. The government also plans a 2 megawatt turbine off Kitakyushu on the southern island of Kyushu in March in a project with J-Power or the Electric Power Development Company.

Japan will use the power generation data from the two turbines in different locations to overcome technological barriers. The Choshi turbine will come online in early March while the Kitakyushu turbine will start operating in June or July.

The government noted that onshore wind turbines are a proven technology, making it difficult for Japanese turbine makers to boost market share. Offshore wind turbines will give Japan a chance to seize market share with the large-sized turbines the country is developing.