On August 10, 2018, the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), along with other industrial partners, completed the development of a demonstration system for a next-generation floating offshore wind power generation system. The system is equipped with Japan’s first barge-type floating body and is paired with a compact 2-blade upwind-type wind turbine, which can be placed in shallow water areas up to a depth of approximately 50m. To ensure its safety even in severe weather and oceanic conditions, the system is equipped with 9 mooring systems, consisting of a combination of stud-less chains and high holding power anchors.

The NEDO-led consortium consists of Marubeni Corporation, Hitachi Zosen, Glocal, EcoPower, University of Tokyo, and Kyuden Mirai Energy. During the development process, Marubeni was responsible for cost analysis and coordinating with related organizations. Hitachi Zosen was engaged in designing the floating bodies, manufacturing, and installation work. Glocal played a central role in turbine selection and mooring systems development, while EcoPower was responsible for the environmental impact assessment. The University of Tokyo oversaw the performance evaluation of the system as well as outreach activities, and Kyuden Mirai Energy was in charge of grid interconnection and power quality evaluation.

NEDO will test the system in the sea area off the coast of Kitakyushu city by connecting electric power cables. After the test, the system will start its demonstration period from this fall to the end of FY2021. The electricity generated by the system will be transmitted to Kyushu Electric Power’s grid system.