Japan is accelerating the deployment of offshore wind power, and one of the most symbolic projects in this effort is the Yamagata Yuza 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 450 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 | Yamagata Yuza Offshore Wind |
| Developer | Yamagata Yusa Offshore Wind LLC |
| stakeholders | Marubeni Kansai Electric Power BP Iota Holdings Limited TOKYO GAS Marutaka CORPORATION |
| Location | Offshore Yuza town, Yamagata Prefecture |
| Type | Fixed-bottom Offshore Wind Power |
| WTG | SGRE |
| Price | 3 JPY/kWh |
| Capacity | 450 MW (15 MW × 30 turbines) |
| Start of Construction | November 2027 |
| Operation Period | June 2030 –2055 |
Location
Consortium Members
1. Marubeni Corporation
A leading general trading company with the most extensive track record in offshore wind power in Japan.
2. Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc.
One of the largest electric power companies in Japan.
3. BP Iota Holdings Limited
A global top-tier international energy company.
4. Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd.
Japan’s largest gas utility and a leading new power supplier.
5. Marutaka Co., Ltd.
One of the largest general construction companies based in the Shonai region.
Project Implementation Structure
Construction Phase
Source: Public document by the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy, METI
Operation Phase
Source: Public document by the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy, METI
Project Schedule
Development & Design Phase (2024–2027)
- December 2024: Award of Public Auction
- Environmental Impact Assessment, Wind Conditions, Wave and Seabed Geological Surveys
- Local Stakeholder Consultations and Coordination
- Wind Farm Certification and Construction Plan Submission
Construction Phase (2027–2030)
- November 2027: Construction of Onshore Substation and Transmission Infrastructure
- March 2029: Installation of Offshore Foundations and Cables
- July 2029: Turbine Assembly and Installation
Operation & Maintenance Phase (2030–2055)
- Turbine Maintenance: SGRE
- Operation Management (BOP): SPC
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 Yamagata Yuza Offshore Wind Project is approx. ¥185 billion ($1.2 billion USD), with long-term operational costs (OPEX) projected at approx. ¥3.2 billion annually.
📌 CAPEX Breakdown for 450 MW:
| CAPEX Breakdown | Estimated Cost (Billion JPY) |
|---|---|
| Turbine Procurement | 102 |
| Foundation & Installation | 70.5 |
| Substations & Grid Connection | 13 |
| Total | 185.5 |
Conclusion
Yamagata Yuza 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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