Goto Sakiyama Oki Oki Huangdao - Pilot array

Location

The wind farm is situated in the East China Sea, off the coast of Goto City in Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan. The specific coordinates for the phases are approximately 32.6348, 128.9913 and 32.6644, 128.9355.

Project Details

Phases and Capacity

The project is being developed in multiple phases:

• Phase I: This phase includes a 2MW pilot turbine that began operations in 2016. It is the country's first commercial-scale floating offshore wind turbine.
• Phase II: This phase involves multiple turbines, with Phase II A consisting of 8 turbines each with a 2.1MW nameplate capacity, and Phase II B with 1 turbine having a 5.2MW nameplate capacity.
• Future Phases: The overall project aims to install 100 turbines, each with a 5MW nameplate capacity, totaling 524MW.

Ownership and Consortium

The project is owned by a consortium that includes:

• Toda Corp (lead)
• ENEOS Holdings Inc
• Osaka Gas Co Ltd
• Inpex Corp
• Kansai Electric Power Co Inc
• Chubu Electric Power Co Inc.

Technology and Equipment

The turbines are mounted on floating type foundations. The initial pilot phase uses a Hitachi Subaru 80/2.0 turbine with a 2MW capacity. Later phases will also utilize Hitachi turbines.

Development and Construction

• Pilot Project: The pilot project started in 2010 with a 100kW small-scale test turbine installed in 2012, followed by a 2MW pilot turbine in 2013.
• Commercial Operation: The first commercial-scale turbine began operations in March 2016. The full project is expected to start commercial operations in phases, with a target for full commercial operation by 2024.

Financing

The project has been financed in part through green bonds issued by Toda Corp. In December 2022, ¥10 billion and in December 2023, ¥5 billion of green bonds were issued at low interest rates to raise capital for the project.

Power Purchase Agreement

The power generated from the wind farm will be sold to Kyushu Electric Power under a power purchase agreement. The tariff price is set at ¥36 ($0.28) per kWh for 20 years until December 2043.

Impact and Objectives

• Renewable Energy Contribution: The project aims to contribute significantly to Japan's renewable energy goals, helping to make Goto City a zero-carbon city.
• Economic Benefits: It is expected to create jobs, attract companies, and contribute to the regional revitalization of Goto City.
• Environmental Benefits: The project utilizes valuable wind and ocean resources, promoting sustainable development in the area.

Regulatory Framework

The project was awarded through a public auction under Japan's offshore wind law passed in November 2018. The consortium received the necessary certifications and approvals, including Japan’s public offering plan certification in April 2022.

This project is a pioneering effort in Japan's offshore wind energy sector, marking significant steps towards increasing the country's renewable energy capacity.