On August 24, 2020, JERA (a joint venture between Tokyo Electric Power Fuel & Power (headquarters: Tokyo) and Chubu Electric Power (Headquarters: Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture)), announced its plans to construct a 520 MW offshore wind farm in Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island.[1] The facility, called the Ishikari Bay Offshore Wind Farm Construction Project, will consist of up to 65 wind turbines and be located at least 2.5 km offshore from the cities of Ishikari and Otaru. The number of turbines may be lower if the power producers choose to go with a more powerful wind turbine. The project will also include the installation of an energy storage system. Once construction begins, the project will take 36 months to complete. According to JERA, the project location presents ideal conditions for bottom-fixed offshore wind power generation because of the favorable wind conditions, shallow seabed, and close connection to the power grid. JERA submitted a Planning Phase Environmental Impact Statement for the project to the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). A public review process for the Environmental Impact Statement is now open and will end on September 24, 2020.

[1] https://www.jera.co.jp/english/information/20200824_524