Kitakyushu next generation floating wind turbine system

Location

The wind farm is located in the Hibikinada Sea, off the coast of Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka prefecture, Japan. The area spans approximately 2,700 hectares, with water depths ranging from 8 to 30 meters.

Project Overview

The Kitakyushu-Hibikinada Offshore Wind Farm is set to become the largest offshore wind farm in Japan in terms of generating output power scale upon its completion. The project is a joint effort by Hibiki Wind Energy Co., Ltd., a consortium comprising Kyuden Mirai Energy Co., Inc., Electric Power Development Co., Ltd. (J-POWER), Hokutaku CO., LTD., Saibu Gas CO., LTD., and Kyudenko Corporation.

Floating Wind Turbine System

Demonstration Phase

A significant part of this project involves the demonstration of a next-generation floating wind turbine system. In 2019, a floating offshore wind power generation system using the Hibiki barge-type floating foundation was put into operation. This system, supported by Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), features the Aerodyn SCD 3MW two-bladed turbine installed on Ideol’s Damping Pool floating foundation. The demonstration aims to evaluate the system's design, including electricity production, wave pressure, and mooring force, and to develop technologies for maintenance and failure prediction using remotely-controlled unmanned submersible vehicles.

Full-Scale Implementation

For the full-scale implementation, Vestas has secured a 238 MW order for the project, which includes the supply and installation of 25 V174-9.5 MW wind turbines. These turbines will be the most powerful operating in Japan once installed. The project also includes a long-term Active Output Management 5000 (AOM 5000) service agreement.

Capacity and Output

The Kitakyushu-Hibikinada Offshore Wind Farm is expected to annually generate 500 million kWh of electricity, which is sufficient to supply power for approximately 170,000 households. This output is equivalent to about 40% of the households in Kitakyushu City.

Construction and Timeline

• Offshore Works: The construction involves offshore works for wind turbine generator (WTG) foundations, submarine cables, and WTG installations.
• Onshore Works: WTG pre-assembly and substation construction works are being carried out onshore.
• Scheduled Completion: The project is scheduled to be completed within the fiscal year 2025, with operations planned to commence in the same year.

Infrastructure

• O&M Base Port: An Operations and Maintenance (O&M) base port will be constructed near the wind farm to serve as a base site for crew transfer vessels (CTVs).

Partners and Stakeholders

• Hibiki Wind Energy Co., Ltd.: The consortium leading the project, comprising Kyuden Mirai Energy Co., Inc., Electric Power Development Co., Ltd. (J-POWER), Hokutaku CO., LTD., Saibu Gas CO., LTD., and Kyudenko Corporation.
• Vestas: Providing the wind turbines and long-term service agreement.
• NEDO: Supporting the demonstration phase of the floating wind turbine system.

Objectives

The project aims to contribute to Japan’s carbon neutrality goals and to revitalize the local economy through the wind power business. It also focuses on ensuring safety as the first priority and fostering a positive relationship with the local community.