European developer Eon has signed a cooperation agreement with Kyushu Electric Power subsidiary Kyuden Mirai Energy to jointly develop offshore wind projects in Japan.
The partnership will focus on fixed bottom installations, kicking off with a study to jointly select a project for development, construction and operation off the coast of Kyushu, Japan’s southernmost island.
The companies said they may also consider expanding the partnership to other regions in Japan.
The cooperation follows Eon’s decision to enter the Japanese wind market, having recently opened a Tokyo office.
The developer said it intends to transfer its experience and technical know-how from its 1.8GW installed offshore wind capacity from Europe to Japan.
Fukuoka-headquartered Kyuden Mirai Energy is developing the Hibiki-nada offshore wind farm in Kyushu, the first tendered project under the revised laws of port management in Japan.
In parallel, the company is also studying opportunities for new offshore wind projects throughout Japan.
Eon Climate & Renewables chief operating officer Sven Utermohlen said: “Our strategy to enter the Japanese market is based on trustful and long-term cooperation with local players.
“We feel that Kyuden Mirai Energy is an excellent partner for us. Our capabilities complement each other while we share the same values and the ambition to drive offshore wind growth in Japan.”
Kyuden Mirai Energy gas developed 200MW of capacity in Japan from renewable resources, including wind, solar and biomass, and is also involved in geothermal and hydroelectric power projects.
Kyuden Mirai Energy president Yasuji Akiyama said: “This year could be the memorial year for offshore wind industry in Japan with the new general sea law promoting offshore wind.
“It is a great timing for us to start joint activities with Eon as the best partner for us to enter into the new market. Eon has remarkable experience in fixed-bottom offshore wind and shares the same view on local stakeholder engagement.”
The company has set itself a target of developing 700MW of renewables capacity in the next decade, which also includes investigating overseas opportunities.