Japan is accelerating its offshore wind ambitions with the Akita Noshiro, Mitane, and Oga Offshore Wind Project, a landmark development that underscores the nation’s commitment to renewable energy. As part of Japan’s Round 1 offshore wind auctions, this project represents a key step in achieving the country’s 2030 target of 10 GW and 2040 goal of 30-45 GW in offshore wind capacity.
With a total capacity of 494 MW, this fixed-bottom offshore wind farm is expected to play a significant role in decarbonizing Japan’s energy mix while fostering local industrial development and regional revitalization. Let’s explore the key details, timeline, and investment potential of this project.
Project Overview
| Project name | Akita Noshiro Mitane Oga Offshore Wind |
| Developer | Akita Noshiro Mitane Oga Offshore Wind LLC |
| StakeHolders | Mitsubishi Corporation Offshore Wind Ltd. C-TECH CORPORATION Mitsubishi Corporation |
| Location | Offshore Noshiro Mitane Oga City, AKITA Prefecture |
| Type | Fixed-bottom Offshore Wind Power |
| WTG | GE |
| Price | 13.26 JPY/kWh |
| Capacity | 494 MW (13 MW × 38 turbines) |
| Start of Construction | 2026 |
| Operation Period | December 2028 – April 2052 |
This project is part of Japan’s first competitive offshore wind auction (Round 1) and is expected to set benchmarks for future large-scale offshore developments.
Location
Project Timeline & Phases
The development follows a structured 4-phase approach:
1️⃣ Development Phase (2021-2026)
- Public auction awarded in December 2021
- Environmental impact assessment, wind measurements, and seabed studies
- FIT approval & permitting process
- Collaboration with local fishing industries & communities
2️⃣ Construction Phase (2026-2028)
- March 2026: Onshore substation & transmission infrastructure
- June 2027: Offshore foundation & cable installation
- 2028: Wind turbine assembly & installation
3️⃣ Operation & Maintenance (2028-2052)
- Managed by Mitsubishi Corporation & GE
- Ongoing maintenance at Noshiro Port
4️⃣ Decommissioning & Repowering (2052 onwards)
- End-of-life planning for wind farm components
- Potential repowering based on future energy policy
CAPEX & OPEX Estimates (Based on NEDO Model)
The capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operational expenditure (OPEX) estimates follow the latest NEDO offshore wind cost model.
The estimated capital expenditure (CAPEX) for the Akita Noshiro project is approx. ¥204 billion ($1.3 billion USD), with long-term operational costs (OPEX) projected at approx. ¥3.6 billion annually.
📌 CAPEX & OPEX Breakdown for 494 MW:
| Investment Factor | Estimated Cost (Billion JPY) |
|---|---|
| Turbine Procurement | 112 |
| Foundation & Installation | 77 |
| Substations & Grid Connection | 14 |
| Operations & Maintenance (OPEX/year) | 3.6 |
Why This Project is a Game-Changer for Japan’s Offshore Wind Industry
✅ 1. Large Fixed-Bottom Offshore Wind Project in Japan
At 494 MW, this is Japan’s large fixed-bottom offshore wind farm to date, setting the stage for mega-scale projects in future auction rounds.
✅ 2. Advanced Wind Turbine Technology (GE Haliade-X)
The project utilizes GE’s Haliade-X turbines (13 MW each), among the most powerful in the industry, boosting efficiency and lowering LCOE.
✅ 3. Local Supply Chain Development & Job Creation
- The project will boost domestic manufacturing in wind turbine components and maintenance infrastructure.
- Expected to generate thousands of new jobs in Akita Prefecture.
✅ 4. Strengthening Japan’s Energy Security & Grid Stability
- Reduces fossil fuel dependency in Japan’s energy mix.
- Enhances regional grid resilience, integrating renewable power into Tohoku Electric Power’s network.
✅ 5. Paving the Way for Future Offshore Wind Investments
As a Round 1 project, this development will set industry benchmarks for upcoming Round 2, 3, and 4 auctions, attracting more global investors.
Challenges & Risk Factors
While the project has strong fundamentals, key risks include:
🔸 Regulatory & Permitting Delays → Japan’s offshore wind permitting process is complex and lengthy.
🔸 Grid Connection Bottlenecks → Future offshore wind expansion depends on Japan’s ability to expand transmission capacity.
🔸 Environmental & Fisheries Coexistence → Close engagement with local fisheries is crucial for long-term acceptance.
🔸 High CAPEX Compared to Global Benchmarks → Japan’s offshore wind costs are still higher than in Europe due to limited local supply chains.
Mitigating these risks requires strong policy support, grid investment, and industry collaboration.
Conclusion: A Transformational Project for Japan’s Green Energy Future
The Akita Noshiro, Mitane, and Oga Offshore Wind Project is more than just an energy initiative—it is a catalyst for Japan’s offshore wind revolution. With a massive 494 MW capacity, cutting-edge technology, and a clear roadmap for local economic benefits, this project is a milestone toward Japan’s decarbonization goals.
As Japan continues its offshore wind expansion, this project will set standards for future auctions, attract global investors, and reinforce Japan’s position in the renewable energy transition.
Investors, policymakers, and industry leaders should closely watch this development as it shapes Japan’s offshore wind sector for decades to come.
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