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Energy
Title:
Japan’s Largest Onshore Wind Farm: Fukushima’s Abukuma Wind Project Begins Commercial Operations, Powering 120,000 Homes
The Abukuma Wind Power Project in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, has officially launched commercial operations, marking a major milestone in the country’s renewable energy landscape and regional reconstruction efforts following the 2011 disaster. The wind farm, boasting a massive 147 MW capacity generated by 46 state-of-the-art turbines, is now supplying clean, sustainable electricity to thousands of households and businesses, advancing Japan’s ambitious climate and energy goals.
On April 2, 2025, the Abukuma Wind Power Project commenced full commercial operations, becoming the largest onshore wind farm in Japan. The project spans the ridgelines of four municipalities—Tamura, Okuma, Namie, and Katsurao—in Fukushima Prefecture and is equipped with 46 GE Vernova 3.2 MW wind turbines, each featuring 103-meter rotors. Together, these turbines provide a total generating capacity of approximately 147,000 kilowatts, capable of producing around 360 million kilowatt-hours annually, enough to power approximately 120,000 average Japanese households[1][2][3][5].
This achievement highlights a strategic push by Fukushima Prefecture to exceed 100% renewable energy self-sufficiency by 2040, part of a broader national policy encouraging decarbonization and energy security[1][2]. The project was developed under the leadership of Fukushima Fukko Furyoku, LLC, a consortium comprising nine key companies, including Sumitomo Corporation, JR East Energy Development Co., Ltd., Fukushima Mirai Kenkyukai, and others, pooling expertise and resources toward a common green vision[1][2].
Construction of the Abukuma Wind Power Project began in April 2022 and concluded on March 31, 2025. The project operates under Japan’s Feed-in Premium (FIP) system, which replaced the conventional Feed-in Tariff (FIT) model. The FIP system allows for more flexible and direct power purchase agreements (PPAs) between the wind farm and corporate consumers, fostering stronger collaboration between renewable energy producers and electricity users[1][2].
Key technological features include:
David Hardy, Chief Commercial Officer at GE Vernova’s Wind segment, emphasized the technological robustness and environmental sustainability of the turbines, underlining their role in supporting Japan’s wind power targets[3].
The Abukuma wind farm is not only a renewable energy asset but also a catalyst for local economic revitalization following the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. The project contributes directly to:
This integration of renewable energy with local economic and environmental goals aligns with Fukushima’s vision of becoming a global leader in renewable energy adoption.
Fukushima Fukko Furyoku, LLC, the project operator, is a consortium of nine companies with diverse expertise spanning energy development, engineering, construction, and clean energy innovation:
| Consortium Member | Role/Contribution | |-------------------|-------------------| | Sumitomo Corporation | Lead investor and energy aggregator, managing PPAs and renewable energy credits | | JR East Energy Development Co., Ltd. | Energy development and infrastructure support | | Fukushima Mirai Kenkyukai | Regional research and development initiatives | | Japan Wind Engineering Co., Ltd. | Engineering and technical design | | Fukushima Electric Power Co., Ltd. | Power generation operations | | Shimizu Corporation | Construction and project management | | Obayashi Clean Energy Co., Ltd. | Clean energy development | | RENOVA Inc. | Renewable energy solutions | | Shinobuyama Fukushima Power Co., Ltd. | Local power production expertise |
This collaboration has been crucial for the swift construction and reliable operation of the wind farm, effectively combining local knowledge with global renewable energy technologies[1][2].
The Abukuma Wind Power Project plays a key role in Japan’s strategy to transition from fossil fuels to renewable sources. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry’s 7th National Electricity Mix plan targets increasing renewable energy’s share to 40-50% by 2040, making wind power an essential component[3].
By supplying clean electricity for over 120,000 households, and corporate consumers in sectors like fisheries and manufacturing, the project exemplifies practical decarbonization efforts aligned with Japan’s updated climate policies approved in early 2025, which aim for significant greenhouse gas reductions and energy sector innovation[2].
Fukushima Prefecture’s commitment to renewable energy stems not only from environmental considerations but also from the necessity of post-disaster recovery and economic revitalization. The Abukuma wind farm is a flagship initiative supporting this mission, fostering:
As the wind farm operates through 2045, it will continue to generate significant environmental benefits and economic returns, ensuring Fukushima remains at the forefront of Japan’s green energy revolution.
The commencement of commercial operations at Fukushima’s Abukuma Wind Power Project represents a landmark achievement in Japan’s renewable energy journey. Combining cutting-edge turbine technology with a robust collaborative framework, the project not only delivers clean power on a grand scale but also acts as a pillar for regional recovery and sustainability. As Japan advances its carbon neutrality and energy diversification objectives, projects like Abukuma will be pivotal in powering a greener, more resilient future.
Current date: Thursday, April 17, 2025
