History and Development of Wind Power Generation in Japan: From the 2000s to the 2020s

History and Development of Wind Power Generation in Japan: From the 2000s to the 2020s

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### 2000s: The Introduction Phase of Wind Power Generation

The introduction of wind power generation in Japan began in the early 2000s, with Akita Prefecture, Chiba Prefecture, and Ehime Prefecture becoming notable pioneering regions. In 2003, a wind power plant in Noshiro City, Akita Prefecture, commenced operations with 24 turbines, supplying a total of 14400 kW of electricity. Additionally, wind turbines were installed in Byobugaura, Choshi City, Chiba Prefecture, contributing to the supply of clean energy.

During the 2000s, wind power generation garnered attention as a sustainable energy source, and local governments and companies actively pursued its introduction. Notably, Japan Natural Energy Company provided a Green Power Certificate system, which certifies the environmental value of wind power to companies, reducing environmental impact due to energy consumption. Such initiatives impacted local economies by creating jobs and revitalizing surrounding communities.

### 2010s: Technological Innovation and Efficiency

By the 2010s, wind turbine technology had advanced significantly, with larger blades and improved power generation efficiency. As a result, domestic wind power generation in Japan achieved higher power output with fewer turbines, while also reducing installation and maintenance costs.

During this period, Noshiro City in Akita Prefecture saw the introduction of turbines with an average power generation capacity of 600kW per unit, playing a crucial role in the region's energy supply. Furthermore, Japan Natural Energy Company marketed electricity generated from wind power as Green Power Certificates in Choshi City, Chiba Prefecture, supporting renewable energy adoption and CO₂ reduction.

### 2020s: Offshore Wind Power and Accelerated Movement Toward a Sustainable Society

The 2020s marked a major turning point for wind power generation in Japan. Large offshore wind power projects were launched mainly in the Tohoku region and Hokkaido, with Noshiro City in Akita Prefecture, Rokkasho Village in Aomori Prefecture, and Tomamae Town in Hokkaido becoming central hubs. In Noshiro City and Akita Port in Akita Prefecture, large-scale offshore wind power facilities were established with a total output of 1.4 million kW, involving companies such as Tokyo Electric Power Holdings and Tohoku Electric Power. Each turbine uses a high-power 9.5MW model, maximizing power generation efficiency.

Simultaneously, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and the Dutch offshore wind development company Ocean Winds partnered to introduce a 12MW turbine, one of the largest in Japan. The turbine features blades over 100 meters in length, enabling it to efficiently capture wind across a wide area. This allows for increased power generation while reducing the number of turbines and maintenance costs.

Additionally, the linkage between wind power generation and hydrogen production progressed in the 2020s. The "Hydrogen Valley Concept" in Tomamae Town, Hokkaido, uses electricity generated by wind power to electrolyze water and produce green hydrogen. This project, involving Hokkaido Electric Power Company and Kawasaki Heavy Industries, aims to produce 10000 tons of hydrogen annually, contributing to local industry and transportation fuel and improving energy self-sufficiency.

### Future Prospects: Advancing with Local Communities

The Japanese government has set a goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, positioning wind power as a key pillar of renewable energy. The policy aims to increase the renewable energy ratio to 36-38% by 2030, with wind power expected to account for 10% of that. Laws, such as the "Renewable Energy Marine Utilization Act," and infrastructure support also provide a supportive framework for offshore wind power.

In the late 2020s, 3.9MW-class wind turbines were installed offshore near Choshi City, Chiba Prefecture, by Sumitomo Corporation and Kyudenko, contributing to the economic revitalization of the area. The Choshi offshore wind power project is expected to exceed 50MW in total output, with CO₂ reduction effects projected to surpass 30000 tons annually. Maintenance facilities near Choshi Port have been established, further supporting local job creation.

However, while wind power generation is progressing, there are still challenges such as forming agreements with residents, conducting environmental impact assessments, noise, visual impact, and increased maintenance costs during winter snow conditions. In Akita Prefecture, regular resident information sessions are held to share the benefits and challenges of wind power generation, aiming for a sustainable energy society together.

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**Summary**

The history of wind power generation from the 2000s to the 2020s reflects technological innovation and the journey toward a sustainable society. The cases of Noshiro City in Akita Prefecture, Choshi City in Chiba Prefecture, and Tomamae Town in Hokkaido are noted as model cases that have balanced the expansion of wind power generation with local revitalization in Japan. As wind power generation becomes deeply rooted in local communities and industries, further development is anticipated on both technological and societal fronts.