JAPAN WIND, A SUCCESS STORY

Wind Power secures Electricity Generation in Japan after earthquake, tsunami and nuclear accident; No wind turbine was damaged by these disasters, and wind power contributes to the electricity supply in Japan
25 March 2011 (World Wind Energy Association)

"According to data provided by the Japan Wind Power Association, no wind turbine in Japan was damaged by the recent earthquake and by the tsunami. As of the end of 2010, Japan had a total installed wind capacity of 2304 MW, with 1746 wind turbines.

"Kamisu offshore wind farm became the first survivor against a tsunami in the world. There are seven units of 2MW SUBARU80/2.0 wind turbines on monopile foundations, about 40m offshore from the coast…"

Japan's Kamisu offshore wind project (click to enlarge)

"…Kamisu is located about 300 km from the epicenter of the earthquake, and an about 5 m height tsunami hit this area. But the Kamisu offshore wind farm has survived and is now in operation.

"…[T]hese results suggest that the anti-earthquake construction design of wind farms in Japan is very reliable. Japan has proven to be a world leader in such so-called 'battle proof design'."

(pic from the Japan Wind Energy Assn - click to enlarge)

"Most of the wind turbines installed in Japan are in operation now. As the electricity is temporarily running short at the Eastern part of Japan, these wind turbines contribute to the national electricity supply."

[Prof. Chuichi Arakawa, Vice President, WWEA:] "Now we have to make strong efforts in Japan to focus much more on renewables, especially wind power, for the next road map of energy and environment...Japan is blessed with an abundance of wind and other renewable resources which can be used to rebuild and strengthen our country. We need some time...[but] I am confident that Japan will draw the necessary conclusions from the recent incidents and hopefully start to become a renewable energy nation."