J-Power, JERA, Equinor will jointly bid for offshore wind projects (Japan)

Electric Power Development (J-Power), JERA, the joint venture between the Japanese power utilities TEPCO and Chubu Electric, and Equinor have created a consortium to jointly evaluate and work towards submitting a bid for offshore wind power projects in Akita Prefecture off Noshiro City, Mitane Town, and Oga City, and off Yurihonjo City.

In July 2020, the Ministries of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) identified 10 areas as potentially suitable for offshore wind development. Four areas are more advanced: Aomori Prefecture off the Sea of Japan (north side); Aomori Prefecture off the Sea of Japan (south side); Happo Town, Akita Prefecture and Off Noshiro City; Off Eshima, Saikai City, Nagasaki Prefecture. The preparation process, which comprises wind and geological surveys and the formation of councils to consult communities, will start immediately.

In addition, six areas have been selected as promising for future development: Off Hokkaido Iwa and Minamishiribeshi area; Off the coast of Hiyama, Hokkaido; Mutsu Bay, Aomori Prefecture; Akita Prefecture Katagami City and Akita City Offshore; Off the coast of Yusa Town, Yamagata Prefecture; Off the coast of Murakami and Tonai in Niigata Prefecture. In August 2019, the Japanese government identified 11 areas for offshore wind power promotion in 5 prefectures of Japan, including four promising areas.

In August 2020, JERA submitted a planning phase environmental impact statement for the 520 MW Ishikari Bay offshore wind project, located 2.5km offshore from the cities of Ishikari and Otaru, to the Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry. Construction of the plant is expected to take 3 years.