Japanese firms to study floating vertical axis wind turbines

This will be considered a “game-changing next-generation” technology.

A Japanese consortium has been selected to conduct a feasibility study on large-scale floating vertical axis wind turbines. This is part of the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization’s efforts to advance floating offshore wind technology.

The consortium is composed of Albatross Technology Inc., Electric Power Development Co., Ltd., Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc., Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd., and Sumitomo Heavy Industries Marine & Engineering Co., Ltd.

“This feasibility study aims to verify the viability of large-scale commercial vertical axis (floating axis) wind turbines, where both the turbine and floating foundation rotate together, as a game changing next-generation technology for floating offshore wind turbines,” a joint statement read.

The companies will design large-scale vertical axis wind turbines for basic design approval. 

According to the consortium, these turbines offer similar efficiency to conventional wind turbines, whilst using smaller and cheaper floating platforms. Their adaptability to different water depths and seabed conditions could lead to widespread use and lower costs, it added.

“As Japan pushes to make renewable energy a primary power source, expectations for offshore wind power are high. Given the limited shallow coastal waters around Japan, there is a pressing need to commercialise floating offshore wind technology,” the companies said.