In Japan, a new floating wind turbine is being trialled off the coast of the disaster-struck Fukushima province.
About this time last year, as many of us were still in shock from the footage of the terrifying tsunami – and chilled by the unfolding catastrophe at the Fukushima nuclear power plant – Japan’s wind farms were still producing energy; in fact they were basically unaffected by the tsunami and earthquake.
The following is from The Denki Shimbun, a daily energy newsletter.
Floating offshore wind farm demonstration project in Fukushima
Mar. 09, 2012
TOKYO –The demonstration research project of a floating offshore wind farm is taking shape in Fukushima Prefecture, which was severely affected by the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear power plant accident in March last year. The project, which will last until fiscal 2015, envisions establishment of a business model. It also contributes to the reconstruction of Fukushima Prefecture by creating new jobs.
The project has been commissioned by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry to a consortium including Marubeni Corporation and the University of Tokyo. In the first phase of the project starting this month, one floating offshore wind power facility with an output capacity of 2,000 kW, the world’s first floating offshore substation and submarine cable will be installed. In the second phase spanning from fiscal 2013 to 2015, two floating offshore wind power facilities with an output capacity of 7,000 kW each will be added.
While aiming at developing a major center of the wind turbine industry in Fukushima Prefecture, the project will pursue the “coexistence of fisheries and the floating offshore wind farm” as a major theme through communication and discussion with fishermen.
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