Group of Seven Begins Joint Research on Technology and Commercialization of Offshore Wind Power Generation

Six companies and one association announced on September 4, 2012, that they have established a study group, named the "Regional Promotion Aqua-Wind Commercialization Study Group" to research construction technology and the commercialization of offshore wind power generation plants. The participants are Hitachi Zosen Corp., the Japan Weather Association, Toshiba Corp., JFE Steel Corp., Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd., Toa Corp. and Toyo Construction Co. The Group will conduct surveys and research on offshore wind power generation for commercialization that will contribute to regional development, and will then draw up proposals for businesses.

With regard to fixed-bottom offshore wind power generation, the Group will select optimal fields and observe wind conditions this fiscal year. Next year, it will evaluate the economic performance based on the results of wind observation and estimates on construction and operation costs, and determine business feasibility.

For commercialization, the Group will set up a Special Purpose Company (SPC) for further realization of businesses. The SPC will solicit investment from its member companies and energy-related companies, as well as local businesses and organizations. In a few years, pilot plants with an output of less than 7,500 kilowatts will be installed at several locations. A decade later, they aim to construct offshore wind farms generating several hundred megawatts.

As for floating offshore wind power generation, the group will investigate floating body oscillation, find ways to reduce costs, and undertake efforts to establish a technological method for maintenance and conduct demonstration tests.

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