Japan begins commercial operations at first floating offshore wind farm

Japan has started commercial operations at its first floating offshore wind power project, with Goto Offshore Wind Farm Special Purpose Company (SPC) announcing that the facility off Goto City in Nagasaki Prefecture is now online, marking a significant step in the country’s renewable energy programme.

Goto Offshore Wind Farm is the first project in Japan to receive full approval under the Marine Renewable Energy Sea Area Utilisation Act. The approval was granted by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT).

The project has an installed capacity of 16.8 MW, generated through eight wind turbine units rated at 2.1 MW each. It uses a hybrid spar type floating platform designed by TODA Corporation, combining a steel upper structure with a concrete lower section to ensure stability in deep waters.

The development followed a defined timeline. In December 2019, the Goto-city offshore area was designated as a promotion zone for wind development. A public tender was issued in June 2020, and the consortium was selected in June 2021. The Goto Floating Wind Farm Special Purpose Company was established in October 2021. The occupancy plan received certification in April 2022, and construction began in August 2022 after the final sea area permit was granted. Commercial operations commenced in January 2026.

The consortium highlighted strong local involvement. Regional firms participated during construction and will continue supporting operations and maintenance. Power from the wind farm will be supplied primarily to retail electricity providers in the region to support local consumption. The SPC stated that long-term operation is aimed at supporting renewable energy uptake and improving community welfare.

The project is owned by a consortium of Chubu Electric Power Company, Eneos Renewable Energy Corporation, Inpex Corporation, Kansai Electric Power Company, Osaka Gas, and TODA Corporation. The headquarters of the project company are located in Goto City.

The development aligns with Japan’s broader energy strategy. Under the 7th Strategic Energy Plan, Japan aims to increase the renewable share of power generation from about 20% to between 40% and 50% by fiscal year 2040. Wind power is expected to rise from about 1% to between 4% and 8% of the mix, with offshore wind as a key contributor. Japan added 253.4 MW of offshore wind capacity in 2024, bringing its operational offshore total to the same figure by the end of the year, while onshore wind capacity stood at 5,330 MW.

The featured photograph is for representation only.