Asia-Pacific independent power producer Vena Energy has started construction of the company’s first wind farm in Japan, the 47MW Nakasato project in Aomori Prefecture.
Nakasato’s turbines have hub heights of up to 116.5 metres, making them the tallest in Japan to date, the company said.
Vena Energy added that it has so far booked power sales from the project totalling 36MW.
During construction, Nakasato will create up to 140 jobs locally, and upon its completion will supply clean energy to approximately 22,000 households.
Vena Energy Japan head Juan Mas Valor said: “We are excited to bring our wind energy experience and sustainability practices into Japan with the Nakasato wind project, and to support the government of Japan’s goals in increasing the share of wind energy in the generation mix over the next decade.
“With the Nakasato Project, we look forward to delivering clean green energy, as well as strengthening the community of Nakadomari-machi through infrastructure for essential services and job creation.
“This project is the result of our close partnerships and cooperation with the communities of the Aomori Prefecture, and we are grateful for the support and guidance of the Nakadomari-machi, the Tohoku Forest Office, Takeuchigumi, and all the organisations that have gathered here today.”
Nakadomari-machi mayor Toyomitsu Hamadate said: “Nakadomari-machi is a town known for its agriculture, forestry and fisheries, and I am pleased that Vena Energy’s Nakasato wind project will be built here, making use of wind as a natural resource and contributing to the prevention of global warming.
“We look forward to working closely with Vena Energy and its subsidiary Nippon Wind Energy as good partners of Nakadomari-machi, for the creation of local jobs and the long-term sustainability of the local community”.
Vena Energy is planning to develop and build 844MW of wind projects in Japan, while also operating and maintaining 23 solar projects with a combined capacity of 414MW.