In a first for a utility-scale project in Japan, MHI Vestas Offshore Wind has signed a firm and unconditional contract to supply turbines for the Akita and Noshiro offshore windfarms, jointly referred to as the Akita Noshiro offshore windfarm
The windfarms will have a combined output of 139 MW. MHI Vestas will supply 33 of its V117-4.2 MW turbines, which are to be installed with fixed-bottom foundations at both sites.
Installation is expected to commence in 2022 and will include a maximum 20-year – subject to the options being exercised – service and maintenance agreements.
The company said 13 turbines will be supplied for the Akita site and 20 for Noshiro.
The power from the windfarms will be fed through the Akita and Noshiro ports in Akita Prefecture, with an expected output of 55 MW at Akita Port and 84 MW at Noshiro Port.
Akita Offshore Wind Corporation, with whom the company signed the contract, is a special purpose company led by Marubeni Corporation, with additional Japanese project sponsors providing development support.
MHI Vestas said this first firm order in Japan “signals a budding maturation of the offshore wind sector in the country.”