JAPAN’S FLOATING WIND GETS A GO

Japanese government approves Fukushima floating project trial
James Quilter, 6 March 2012 (Windpower Monthly)

"Japanese trading house Marubeni has had government approval to create a feasibility study for a floating wind farm off the Fukushima coast…with Mitsubishi…[They will] develop a trial wind project, consisting of three turbines and a substation, by 2016.

"The 'Fukushima Recovery Floating Wind Farm Pilot Project' will run in two phases. The first will involve the installation of a 2MW turbine and a substation, while the second will see two 7MW turbines added…Tokyo University, Mitsui Shipbuilding, Hitachi…[and] IHI Marine [will be involved]."

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"In September, Japan’s trade ministry said it was planning a ¥10-20 billion ($130-260 million) project to develop a floating turbine in the deep waters off the northern coast..Japan hopes to develop a 1GW floating offshore project off its northern coast by 2020…

"There is sound reasoning behind Japan’s push for offshore wind. When the tsunami struck, the Kamisu near-shore wind farm [comprised of seven 2MW Fuji Heavy Industries wind turbines] on Japan's east coast withstood the magnitude-nine earthquake and contributed vital electricity in the aftermath of the disaster..."