Siemens Gamesa Notches First Offshore Wind Win in Japan

Siemens Gamesa has received its first preferred supplier nomination for an offshore wind project in Japan.

The agreement with customer Obayashi Corporation currently includes using SG 8.0-167 DD offshore wind turbines for the Northern Akita offshore wind farm project, and a long-term service agreement.

Commercial operation date is scheduled from 2024 onwards. All deliveries are subject to Obayashi Corporation’s final investment decision.

The Northern Akita pipeline will reach a capacity of up to 455MW at a site located in the northern region of Tohoku.

According to the 2018 law promoting offshore wind in Japan, Obayashi Corporation is required to participate in a national tender to secure development rights for the project.

“Entering the Japanese offshore wind market is significant for Siemens Gamesa. It is another example of the true globalization currently taking place within the industry, and we are proud to establish a foothold. We are encouraged by the close cooperation we have with Obayashi Corporation, and will eagerly anticipate this preferred supplier agreement becoming a firm order,” said Andreas Nauen, CEO of the Siemens Gamesa Offshore Business Unit.

In addition, Obayashi Corporation and Siemens Gamesa also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote benefits to the local society throughout the project. Under the terms of this MoU, both parties will work together to enforce the highest available industry standards regarding the installation and maintenance of the turbines for the project. They will also support the development of local infrastructure for offshore wind businesses, explore possibilities to collaborate with suppliers in the project area, as well as foster information exchange with residents and local stakeholders.

Yuichi Yamamoto, Managing Executive Officer, and General Manager of Obayashi Corporation’s Technology Business Development Division, said: “This project is a core of our expansion to new business which is one of Obayashi’s four existing pillar business. We believe that the collaboration between the companies will accelerate implementing the long-term project safely and properly along with promoting the benefits to the local community.”