Pattern Energy has started construction of its 112MW Ishikari offshore wind farm off Japan after financing was completed.
A total of 14 Siemens Gamesa 8MW turbines will be installed at the site 3km offshore Hokkaido, while the project will also include a 100MW battery storage facility.
Commercial operation is expected to begin in December 2023 and a 20-year power purchase agreement is in place for Hokkaido Electric Power Network to offtake all of the electricity generated.
Ishikari wind farm is being developed by US-based Pattern Energy in partnership with Green Power Investment Corporation.
“This historic project is Japan’s largest combined offshore wind and power storage facility and the first installation of an 8MW offshore wind turbine in the country,” said Pattern Energy chief executive Mike Garland.
“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.”
Financing for the scheme was jointly arranged by MUFG Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, Mizuho Bank, Development Bank of Japan, Societe Generale and Shinsei Bank.
Pattern Energy has eight renewable energy facilities in Japan either operating or under construction, comprising three onshore wind projects and two solar parks in operation, along with three wind power facilities under construction.