As Japan pushes forward with its offshore wind ambitions, the Akita Yurihonjo Offshore Wind Project stands as a landmark initiative in the country’s renewable energy transition. With a planned capacity of 845 MW, this large-scale fixed-bottom offshore wind farm will significantly contribute to Japan’s goal of 10 GW by 2030 and 30-45 GW by 2040.
Developed by Akita Yurihonjo Offshore Wind LLC, the project integrates cutting-edge technology, strategic supply chain partnerships, and a strong commitment to regional economic revitalization. In this post, we’ll explore the project details, investment potential, economic impact, and challenges shaping this major offshore wind initiative.
Project Overview
| Project name | Akita Yurihonjo Offshore Wind |
| Developer | Akita Yurihonjo Offshore Wind LLC |
| Partners | Mitsubishi Corporation Offshore Wind Ltd. C-TECH CORPORATION Venti Japan Inc. Mitsubishi Corporation |
| Location | Offshore Yurihonjo City, AKITA Prefecture |
| Type | Fixed-bottom Offshore Wind Power |
| WTG | GE |
| Price | 11.99 JPY/kWh |
| Capacity | 845 MW (13 MW × 65 turbines) |
| Start of Construction | March 2026 (onshore), April 2029 (offshore) |
| Operation Period | DeDecember 2030 – March 2052 |
Location
Project Timeline & Development Phases
The Akita Yurihonjo project follows a structured 4-phase development approach:
1️⃣ Development Phase (2021-2026)
- December 2021: Public auction awarded
- Environmental impact assessment (EIA), seabed surveys, wind measurements
- Grid connection approvals & supply chain planning
- Stakeholder engagement with local fishing industries & communities
2️⃣ Construction Phase (2026-2030)
- March 2026: Onshore substation & transmission infrastructure
- April 2029: Offshore foundation & cable installation
- 2029-2030: Wind turbine assembly, installation & commissioning
3️⃣ Operation & Maintenance (2030-2052)
- GE and local partners to manage long-term O&M (Operations & Maintenance)
- Maintenance hub set at Honjo Port
4️⃣ Decommissioning & Repowering (2052 onwards)
- End-of-life planning, potential repowering with next-gen turbines
Investment & Economic Impact
🔹 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. ¥348 billion ($2.3 billion USD), with long-term operational costs (OPEX) projected at approx. ¥6.8 billion annually.
📌 CAPEX & OPEX Breakdown for 845 MW:
| Investment Factor | Estimated Cost (Billion JPY) |
|---|---|
| Turbine Procurement | 191 |
| Foundation & Installation | 132 |
| Substations & Grid Connection | 24 |
| Operations & Maintenance (OPEX/year) | 6.8 |
Why This Project is a Game-Changer for Japan’s Offshore Wind Industry
✅ 1. Largest Fixed-Bottom Offshore Wind Project in Japan
At 845 MW, this is Japan’s largest fixed-bottom offshore wind project to date.
✅ 2. Cutting-Edge 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. Regional Economic Development & Job Creation
- Supports local industries & workforce in Akita Prefecture.
- Thousands of new jobs expected in supply chain & maintenance.
✅ 4. Strengthening Japan’s Energy Security
- Reduces dependence on fossil fuels & LNG imports.
- Enhances Japan’s grid stability & renewable integration.
✅ 5. Paving the Way for Future Offshore Wind Investments
- As a Round 1 project, it sets a benchmark for upcoming Round 2-4 auctions.
Challenges & Risk Factors
While the project has strong fundamentals, key risks include:
🔸 Regulatory & Permitting Delays → Japan’s offshore wind permitting process is complex.
🔸 Grid Connection Limitations → Japan needs more grid expansion to support offshore wind growth.
🔸 Environmental & Fisheries Coexistence → Local community engagement is crucial.
🔸 High CAPEX Compared to Global Benchmarks → Japan’s offshore wind costs remain high.
Mitigating these risks requires strong policy support, supply chain investment, and industry collaboration.
Conclusion: A Milestone for Japan’s Offshore Wind Sector
The Akita Yurihonjo Offshore Wind Project is a flagship development in Japan’s offshore wind roadmap. With its large-scale capacity (845 MW), advanced technology, and commitment to regional development, it sets a strong precedent for future offshore wind investments.
As Japan accelerates offshore wind growth, this project will play a critical role in decarbonization, energy security, and industrial revitalization. Investors and stakeholders should watch closely as this project moves from development to construction and operation.
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