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

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

---The history and development of wind power in Japan: from the 2000s to the 2020s

### 2000s: The introduction period of wind power generation

The introduction of wind power generation in Japan began in earnest in the early 2000s. Akita, Chiba, and Ehime prefectures in particular attracted attention as advanced wind power generation regions. 24 wind turbines were put into operation in Noshiro City, Akita Prefecture, in 2003, supplying a total of 14,400 kW of electricity. In addition, wind turbines were installed in Byobugaura in Choshi City, Chiba Prefecture, and were responsible for supplying clean energy.

In the 2000s, wind power generation attracted attention as a sustainable energy source, and local governments and companies actively promoted its introduction. In particular, the Green Power Certificate Program offered by Japan Natural Energy Company, Ltd. was used as a means for companies to prove the environmental value of wind power generation and reduce the environmental impact of their energy consumption. These efforts also had an impact on the local economy, contributing to the creation of jobs for surrounding companies and the revitalization of the community.

### 2010s: Technological Innovation and Efficiency

In the 2010s, wind turbine technology evolved dramatically, with larger blades and improved power generation efficiency. As a result, wind power generation in Japan became able to generate high power output with fewer wind turbines, and installation and maintenance costs were also reduced.

During this period, facilities with an average power generation capacity of 600 kW per wind turbine were installed in Noshiro City, Akita Prefecture, and played an important role in the local energy supply. Furthermore, in Choshi City, Chiba Prefecture, Japan Natural Energy Co., Ltd. sold electricity generated from wind power generation as green power certificates, contributing to the promotion of renewable energy use and reduction of CO₂ emissions in the region.

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

In the 2020s, wind power generation in Japan will reach a major turning point. Large-scale offshore wind power projects were launched one after another, mainly in the Tohoku region and Hokkaido, with Noshiro City in Akita Prefecture, Rokkasho Village in Aomori Prefecture, and Tomamae Town in Hokkaido becoming major hubs, among others. Offshore wind power generation facilities with a total output of 1.4 million kW were installed in Noshiro City and Akita Port in Akita Prefecture, with the participation of Tokyo Electric Power Holdings, Tohoku Electric Power Company, and others. Each wind turbine is a high output model with a capacity of 9.5 MW to maximize power generation efficiency.

At the same time, a 12 MW turbine, one of the largest in Japan, was installed through a partnership between Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Oceanwinds, a Dutch offshore wind power developer. This turbine has a blade length of over 100 meters, enabling it to efficiently capture a wider area of wind. This allows for an increase in power generation while reducing the number of wind turbines installed, and also reduces maintenance costs.

In the 2020s, wind power generation and hydrogen production will also be linked, and in the "Hydrogen Valley Concept" in Tomamae Town, Hokkaido, green hydrogen is being generated by electrolyzing water with electricity generated by wind turbines. The project, in which Hokkaido Electric Power Company and Kawasaki Heavy Industries are participating, aims to produce 10,000 tons of hydrogen annually, which will be supplied to local industries and as transportation fuel, thereby helping to improve energy self-sufficiency.

### Prospects for the Future: Wind Power Generation Working with Local Communities

The government has set a goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and has positioned wind power as an important pillar of renewable energy, with plans to increase its share of renewable energy to 36-38% by 2030, of which wind power will account for 10%. The government has established a system to support offshore wind power generation, including the implementation of the "Renewable Energy Sea Area Utilization Law" and support for infrastructure development to promote renewable energy.

In the late 2020s, several 3.9 MW-class wind turbines by Sumitomo Corporation and Kyudenko were installed off the coast of Choshi City, Chiba Prefecture, contributing to the revitalization of the local economy. The offshore wind power generation project in Choshi City is expected to have a total output of more than 50 MW, and the CO₂ emission reduction effect is estimated to exceed 30,000 tons per year. A new wind power maintenance facility has been built near Choshi Port, creating local employment.

However, while wind power generation is progressing, there are still issues to be addressed, such as consensus building with residents, environmental impact assessments, noise and landscape impacts, and increased maintenance costs due to wind and snow in winter. Akita Prefecture and other prefectures are holding regular explanatory meetings for local residents, providing opportunities to share the benefits and challenges of wind power generation, and working together to create a sustainable energy society.

---Akita Prefecture and other prefectures regularly hold information meetings for residents to share the benefits and challenges of wind power.

**Summary**

The history of wind power generation from the 2000s to the 2020s symbolizes the progress of technological innovation and transformation toward a sustainable society. Cases such as Noshiro City in Akita Prefecture, Choshi City in Chiba Prefecture, and Tomamae Town in Hokkaido are notable as model cases of both wind power expansion and regional revitalization in Japan. Wind power generation, while deeply rooted in local communities and industries, is expected to further develop both technology and society in the future.