Japan’s Hibiki Floating Wind Turbine Starts Commercial Operations Offshore Kitakyushu

Japan’s first barge-type floating wind turbine, theHibikiproject, has officially entered commercial operation. The 3 MW, two-bladed turbine, located 15 kilometers off the coast of Kitakyushu, is part of a pioneering initiative to harness floating wind energy in Japan. Installed onIdeol’s Damping Poolfloating foundation, the turbine represents a significant advancement in renewable energy technology for the country.

Originally commissioned in May 2019, theHibikiproject was initially part of a demonstration study conducted by theNew Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). Following the completion of the demonstration in March 2024,Glocaltook over the project and establishedHibiki Floating Wind Power (HFWP)to manage and operate the wind farm.

The electricity generated by the 3 MW wind turbine will be supplied toKyushu Electric Power Company, whileGlocalwill handle operations and maintenance (O&M). Asset management will be overseen bySMFL Mirai Partners. The project is supported by various investors, includingRenewable Japan,KEMCO,Gojin Group, andChugoku Electric Power.

TheHibikiproject is Japan’s first steel barge-type floating wind turbine and is the second floating wind turbine to be commercialized in the country, marking a milestone in Japan’s renewable energy development.

Source:offshorewind.biz