Japan is accelerating the deployment of offshore wind power, and one of the most symbolic projects in this effort is the Aomori Tsugaru Offshore Wind Power Project. This initiative is part of the Japanese government’s third round of offshore wind power auctions—commonly known as “Round 3”—and represents a critical step toward achieving the national targets of 10 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030 and 30–45 GW by 2040.
With a total planned capacity of 615 MW, the project will significantly contribute to the decarbonization of Japan’s energy mix through fixed-bottom offshore wind power. It is also expected to drive regional industrial development and economic revitalization. This article provides a detailed overview of the project, including its schedule and estimated CAPEX & OPEX.
Project Overview
| Project name | Aomori tsugaru Offshore Wind |
| Developer | Tsugaru Offshore Wind Community |
| Consortium Members | JERA Green Power Investment Tohoku Electric Power |
| Location | Offshore tsugaru City, aomori Prefecture |
| Type | Fixed-bottom Offshore Wind Power |
| WTG | SGRE |
| Price | 3 JPY/kWh |
| Capacity | 615 MW (15 MW × 41 turbines) |
| Start of Construction | april 2026 |
| Operation Period | june 2030 –2055 |
Location
Consortium Members
JERA
- Japan’s largest power generation company.
- Extensive long-term experience in O&M across numerous power plants.
- Rich track record in overseas offshore wind projects in Taiwan and Europe.
- Subsidiary Parkwind has over 13 years of offshore wind O&M experience in Europe.
Green Power Investment
- A renewable energy developer with a strong track record in wind power development, construction, and O&M both in Japan and abroad since the industry’s early days.
- Has worked with the local community in the region since 2009 through the Tsugaru wind farm in Aomori Prefecture.
- Led early-stage development and community engagement in the area, building a foundation of trust with local stakeholders.
- One of the few companies in Japan with hands-on experience in offshore wind through completion of the Ishikari Bay New Port Offshore Wind Farm.
Tohoku Electric Power
- A utility company with over 70 years of experience in power plant construction and O&M in the Tohoku region.
- Extensive expertise in responding to emergencies, including the Great East Japan Earthquake and region-specific natural disasters.
- The leading retail electricity provider in the region, enabling local production and consumption of renewable electricity.
- Trusted by local communities through a long history of ensuring stable power supply in the Tohoku region.
Project Implementation Structure
Source: Public document by the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy, METI
Project Schedule
Development & Design Phase (2024–2026)
- December 2024: Award of public auction
- Environmental impact assessment, wind and ocean condition surveys, seabed geological surveys
- Local stakeholder consultations and coordination
- Wind farm certification and submission of construction plan
Construction Phase (2026–2030)
- 2026: Construction of onshore substation and transmission infrastructure
- 2028: Installation of offshore foundations and cables
- 2029: Assembly and installation of wind turbines
Operation & Maintenance Phase (2030–2055)
- Turbine maintenance: SGRE and this SPC
- Operation management (BOP): Maintenance company
Decommissioning & Repowering Phase (Post-2055)
Source: Public document by the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy, METI
CAPEX & OPEX Estimates
Capital expenditures (CAPEX) and operational expenditures (OPEX) were estimated with reference to NEDO’s offshore wind cost model as of October 2024.
The estimated capital expenditure (CAPEX) for the Aomori Tsugaru Offshore Wind Power Project is approx. ¥253 billion, with long-term operational costs (OPEX) projected at approx. ¥4.3 billion annually.
📌 CAPEX Breakdown for 615 MW:
| CAPEX Breakdown | Estimated Cost (Billion JPY) |
|---|---|
| Turbine Procurement | 139 |
| Foundation & Installation | 96 |
| Substations & Grid Connection | 18 |
| Total | 253 |
Conclusion
Aomori Tsugaru Offshore Wind Power Project represents a significant milestone in Japan’s push for renewable energy. With a strong focus on sustainability, economic development, and technological innovation, it lays the foundation for the expansion of offshore wind power in Japan.
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