Fishing rights and offshore wind power generation off Choshi City, Chiba Prefecture and Yurihonjo City, Akita Prefecture, Japan - April 2004 to 2020s

Fishing rights and offshore wind power generation off Choshi City, Chiba Prefecture and Yurihonjo City, Akita Prefecture, Japan - April 2004 to 2020s

1. 2004 Introduction Concept
In 2004, when the introduction of offshore wind power generation began to be considered, coordination with fishing activities was a major issue in Japan's coastal areas. Off the coast of Choshi City, Chiba Prefecture, the Mitsubishi Corporation Group planned to install 31 wind turbines, and proposed to use the foundations of the wind turbines as artificial fishing reefs.
It was proposed that the foundations of the windmills be used as artificial fishing reefs. The objective was to provide a habitat for squid and rays and to strengthen cooperation with local fishermen.

2. developments and numerical progress in the 2020s
Several large-scale offshore wind power projects are currently underway in Japan. Off the coast of Yurihonjo, Akita Prefecture, 65 GE wind turbines have been installed with the aim of generating 845 MW of electricity and are scheduled to be operational in December 2030. The site covers an area of 13040.4 hectares and is expected to contribute to the local economy through the supply of renewable energy.
It is expected to contribute to the local economy through the supply of renewable energy.

Off the coast of Noshiro City, Akita Prefecture, a power generation facility with a total output of 494 MW is under construction, and 38 wind turbines will be installed. Ecosystem preservation activities, such as the release of young sea bream and Ezo abalone, are also underway, and the local fishing industry and energy development are working in symbiosis.
Thirty-one wind turbines are already in operation off the coast of Choshi City, Chiba Prefecture, and they continue to provide a sustainable energy supply while minimizing the impact on the fishing industry.

3. issues and measures for coexistence of fisheries and offshore wind power generation
Ensuring the stable operation and durability of offshore wind power generation is an important issue in response to natural disasters such as typhoons and earthquakes. In the promotion zones selected under the Renewable Energy Sea Area Utilization Law, councils have been established with fishermen, and guidelines have been formulated in consideration of the impact on marine ecosystems.
Guidelines have been established in consideration of the impact on marine ecosystems. In areas such as the area off the coast of Karatsu City in Saga Prefecture, the compatibility of fishing ground conservation and energy development is also being promoted through cooperation with fishermen.

4. future prospects
The Japanese government is moving forward with plans to expand offshore wind power generation in various regions in order to realize a carbon-neutral society by 2050. In major areas such as off the coast of Choshi City, Yurihonjo City in Akita Prefecture, and Karatsu City in Saga Prefecture, the coexistence of wind power generation and the fishing industry is expected to be an important step toward a sustainable society.
The coexistence of wind power and fisheries is expected to be an important step toward a sustainable society.