Germany's Wpd finds local partner for deeper Japanese offshore wind dive
Developer and Japan Renewable Energy to co-develop 300MW Saikai Enoshima project off Nagasaki prefecture
German developer Wpd and Tokyo-based Japan Renewable Energy Company (JRE) have reached an agreement to invest in and co-develop the 300MW Saikai Enoshima offshore wind project in Nagasaki prefecture.
JRE is currently conducting a range of studies at the site, including environmental impact assessments and local consultations.
The cooperation comes after Japan’s economy, trade and industry ministry (METI) last year declared the project area as one of four “promising sea areas” for potential development under the country's offshore wind laws.
“JRE and Wpd believe that the partnership of the two companies … will further enhance the project’s feasibility by utilising their respective knowledge related to development and operation of the power generation business,” Wpd said, adding that “an ongoing dialogue with the local community and other stakeholders” is also a priority.
Wpd is already active in the development of the 1GW Kyushu floating wind farm that is at an early stage, and in other Asian offshore wind projects in Taiwan, such as the 640MW Yunlin project that is already at the procurement phase as well as the 350MW Guanyin project.