Fukushima’s 2MW Floating Wind Turbine Starts Operating (Japan)

Fukushima’s experimental offshore floating wind farm project started operating today. The installation of 2MW downwind-type floating wind turbine, 66kV floating power substation, extra-high voltage subsea cable and a dynamic cable at the testing area (1st phase) have been successfully completed.

Subsequently, the experimental study of 2MW floating wind turbine and 66kV floating power substation commenced today. The evaluation of safety, reliability and economic potential of the offshore floating wind farm through the collection and analysis of meteorological, hydrographic and performance data will be carried out during the experimental study.

In addition, the developers are targeting to establish the method of operation and maintenance of the offshore floating wind farm at the same time. In the 2nd phase, the 2 unit of 7MW oil pressure drive-type floating wind turbine will be installed within fiscal year 2014 and the total capacity of the offshore floating wind farm will be 16MW, making it the world’s biggest floating offshore wind farm.

During this experimental study that will be carried out until the fiscal year 2015, the consortium which is developing the project aims to achieve the following:
– The creation of offshore wind-related industry
– Development of offshore wind facilities as Japan’s new export industry
– Coexistence with the fisheries

A consortium comprising of Marubeni (project integrator), the University of Tokyo (technical advisor), Mitsubishi, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Japan Marine United, Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding, Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corporation, Hitachi, Furukawa Electric, Shimizu, and Mizuho Information & Research have been participating in an experimental offshore floating wind farm project sponsored by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry since March 2012.