Japan's Largest Offshore Wind Farm Begins Commercial Operations

Japan's largest offshore wind power plant began commercial operations on March 2, marking a significant milestone in the country's push toward carbon neutrality.

The Kitakyushu Hibikinada Offshore Wind Farm, located in the Hibikinada Sea off the coast of Wakamatsu-ku in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture, reached full operational status March 2 after nearly three years of construction.

The facility comprises 25 large-scale wind turbines, each generating 9,600 kilowatts, for a combined output of 220 megawatts — surpassing any other offshore wind installation in Japan. The turbine blades reach approximately 200 meters above sea level at their highest point.

The project is operated by Hibiki Wind Energy Co. Ltd., a consortium that includes Electric Power Development Co. Ltd., known as J-POWER, which holds a 40% stake representing 88 MW of the plant's total capacity. Other shareholders include Kyuden Mirai Energy Co., Saibu Gas Co. Ltd., Hokutaku Co., Ltd. and Kraftia Corp.

The project originated in February 2017 when Kitakyushu City awarded the consortium rights to install and operate the offshore facility through a public tender. Construction began March 13, 2023.

"The J-POWER Group will continue working toward the realization of carbon neutrality," the company said in a statement, citing its long-term sustainability framework known as "BLUE MISSION 2050."

The wind farm is expected to operate for 20 years. J-POWER, headquartered in Chuo-ku, Tokyo, operates wind farms across Japan and holds an international stake in the Triton Knoll offshore wind farm in the United Kingdom.