Offshore Wind and Battery Storage Project Takes Off in Japan

Pattern Energy Group and its affiliate in Japan, Green Power Investment Corporation (GPI), have completed financing and begun full construction of the 112 MW Ishikari Offshore Wind project located approximately three kilometers from the shore of the Ishikari Bay in Hokkaido, Japan.

Ishikari Wind will also feature a battery storage component with 100 MW x 180 MWh of capacity.

The financing facility was jointly arranged by MUFG Bank, Ltd., Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, Limited, Mizuho Bank, Ltd., Development Bank of Japan Inc., Societe Generale, and Shinsei Bank, Limited.

Ishikari Offshore Wind will utilize 14 Siemens Gamesa 8.0 MW wind turbines, which are built specifically for offshore use.

The SG 8.0-167 DD offshore turbine is designed to meet local codes and standards regarding typhoons, seismic activities, 50 Hertz operation, as well as operation in high and low ambient temperatures.

”We look forward to working with Pattern Energy on this excellent opportunity to bring more clean, renewable power into Japan’s energy mix,” said Marc Becker, CEO of the Siemens Gamesa Offshore Business Unit.

”Together with Pattern Energy and GPI, we look forward to providing the numerous economic-, social-, and environmental benefits of offshore wind power to everyone involved with the project.”

The turbines and their supporting structures received ClassNK certification, Pattern Energy said.

”This historic project is Japan’s largest combined offshore wind and power storage facility and the first installation of an 8 MW offshore wind turbine in the country,” said Mike Garland, CEO of Pattern Energy.

”Together with GPI, we have built an in-house team of leading experts in onshore and offshore wind and the Ishikari project is the culmination of more than 15 years of planning. The group of leading financial institutions that is backing this project demonstrates the strong demand for innovative clean power solutions. We look forward to successfully completing construction of this project and bringing a new source of clean and renewable energy to Japan, powered by the strong winds of Ishikari Bay.”

The Ishikari Offshore Wind project, and accompanying battery storage component, is expected to reach commercial operation in December of 2023.

The project has a 20-year power purchase agreement with Hokkaido Electric Power Network for 100 per cent of the power output.

”We would like to thank Ishikari city and all the people concerned for their great cooperation in promoting this project,” said Mitsuru Sakaki, Director and President of GPI.

”We will proceed with construction work while being considerate of the environment, safety, and local communities. It is an honor to promote the creation of clean energy in a manner that protects the cultural values of the region and enhances critical infrastructure of the country.”

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