GE Renewable to Supply Wind Turbines to Japan

GE Renewable Energy, a French wind turbine maker, has announced that it has been selected as the supplier for the Fukaura Wind Farm by Green Power Investment (GPI) in Fukaura Town, Aomori Prefecture, Japan. The project, which will feature 19 units of 4.2-117 onshore wind turbine of GE, represents company’s third project with GPI in Japan. The total installed capacity will be 79.8 MW.

GPI is a developer, owner and operator of renewable energy assets in Japan.

GE said that the deal also includes a ten-year full-service contract with an extension as an option. Tohoku Electric Power Co. is supporting the project as a strategic partner in GPI’s projects in Tohoku region of Japan.

The official statement by GE mentioned that the Fukaura Wind Farm will operate the onshore wind turbines at 4.2 MW with a rotor diameter of 117m and a hub height of 110m. The installation of the wind turbines will commence in second quarter of 2023 and the turbines are targeted to be fully commissioned and operational in 2024.

GE claims that given the complex site location near Japan’s northwestern sea border, the turbine model is optimized to minimize environmental impact and cope with extreme weather conditions and Japan’s unique wind environment.

Gilan Sabatier, Chief Commercial Officer of Onshore Wind International, GE, stated, “Working with GPI, we believe that this project will strengthen Japan’s ambitious carbon neutral commitments and provide Japanese consumers with affordable, reliable, and clean energy for the future.”

Mitsuru Sakaki, President of GPI, said, “Construction on this project was made possible due to continued support and teamwork of various stakeholders and local government including a significant effort by GE.”

He added, “We look forward to working with GE to establish a long-term collaboration to further increase the level of efficiency and optimization to move Japan closer to its sustainable energy goals.”

GE Renewable Energy claims that its energy businesses’ portfolio stands at $16 billion and it has installed more than 400+ gigawatts of clean renewable energy and equipped more than 90 percent of utilities worldwide with its grid solutions.

According to the International Energy Agency, Japan’s onshore wind capacity is about 5.3 GW. Under the Japanese government’s net-zero by 2050 roadmap, the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) estimates a 15-16 GW growth potential for onshore wind by 2030.