UPDATED: RWE, Sumitomo, JERA-led consortia win second Japanese offshore wind auction

Together, RWE, Mitsui and Osaka Gas have secured a deal to develop a bottom-fixed 684-MW project off the coast of the cities of Murakami and Tainai, Niigata Prefecture. In a statement, RWE said full commissioning of the offshore windfarm is scheduled for June 2029. It will consist of 38 wind turbines.

RWE chief executive Markus Krebber said, “Offshore wind is increasingly gaining momentum in Japan and I am deeply honoured that we have been selected to deliver this project.

“This is RWE’s first success in an offshore wind tender in Japan and the wider APAC region. It reflects the collective strength, expertise and commitment of RWE and our consortium partners. With Mitsui and Osaka Gas, we have partners whose local expertise perfectly complements our global experience and technical know-how.”

As a next step, the partners will co-ordinate with the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) for the approval of a public occupancy plan. In addition, the partners will continue to engage and work closely together with local partners, authorities, communities and fisheries to ensure realisation of the windfarm.

Sumitomo Corp and TEPCO Renewable Power have received notification from METI and MLIT that their consortium has been appointed to design, build and operate a 420-MW offshore wind project in the sea area off the coast of Enoshima Island, Saikai City, Nagasaki Prefecture.

The consortium said it will engage with Sumitomo Metal Mining and SUMCO Corp as one of the offtakers for the electricity generated by the project. The project will make use of 28 15-MW wind turbines manufactured by Vestas and is due to enter operation in August 2029.

Esgian Offshore Wind said the third consortia to secure an award for a site offshore Oga City, Katagami City and Offshore Akita City in Akita prefecture consists of JERA, J-Power, ITOCHU Corporation and Tohoku Electric Power. This project is expected to be 315 MW and will use 21 15-MW Vestas turbines.

“The results are good news for turbine manufacturers Vestas and GE, both with turbines linked to winning consortia,” said Esgian, noting that the auction is the first time GE’s 18-MW turbines have been publicly confirmed as part of a winning bid. They will be used by the consortium consisting of RWE, Mitsui and Tokyo Gas.