Japan’s largest onshore wind farm has started commercial operation, following a two and a half year construction phase.
The 122MW Tsugaru wind farm is located in the Aomori Prefecture, on agricultural land near the coast.
US renewables company Pattern Energy developed Tsugaru through its Green Power Investment subsidiary.
Mott MacDonald was the lender’s technical advisor on the project, on behalf of Green Power Investment.
The wind farm extends over 12km and features 38 GE 3.2MW wind turbines.
Mott MacDonald performed a full technical, environmental and social due diligence on the project, helping it to reach financial close.
The project was developed according to unique Japanese standards for project design and certification as well as specific environmental and permitting requirements, Mott MacDonald said.
Mott MacDonald project director Matthias Vinard said: “We’re delighted to have been part of this project that has great social outcomes – around 90,000 households will be powered by renewable energy from the wind farm.
“The project will also diversify the economy of the local area through employment opportunities.”
Mott MacDonald previously worked as lender’s technical advisor for Green Power Investment on the 33MW Ohorayama wind farm in Kochi Prefecture, Japan.