Experimental Floating Wind Farm Nears Installation

Launched in March 2012, the Fukushima experimental offshore floating wind farm project sponsored by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is nearing the installation phase as preparatory works for the installation of the 7MW oil pressure drive-type wind turbine on the three-column semi-sub floater at Onahama port, Fukushima, are almost completed and delivery from Nagasaki to Onahama has started today.

Participating in the experiment is a consortium comprised of Marubeni (MARUF) (project integrator), the University of Tokyo (technical advisor), Mitsubishi, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Japan Marine United, Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding, Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corporation, Hitachi (HTHIY), Furukawa Electric, Shimizu (SHMUF) and Mizuho Information & Research.

The scope of work included in the project’s second term includes assembly and setting of two units of the 7MW oil pressure drive-type floating wind turbines, delivery of the facilities to the testing area and connection to the undersea cable.

Construction of the nacelle for the 7MW oil pressure drive-type wind turbine is in progress at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. Yokohama Dockyard & Machinery Works, while the tower is being built at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. Kobe Dockyard & Machinery Works.

As for the mooring system and undersea cables, preceding works such as installation of chains, anchors and undersea cables at the testing area have been successfully completed. Also completed was the ground improvement and installation of the undersea mound at Onahama port for mounting the wind turbine on the three-column semi-sub.

Several activities need to be completed to start operation of the power facilities. The floater and mounting are expected to arrive at Fujiwara quay, Onahama port on November 10, after which assembly of a large-scale crane at Onahama port for the purpose of the installation work will take place until late January. In early February, the 7MW oil pressure drive-type wind turbine will be installed on the three-column semi-sub floater, and the facility and its mooring operation will be delivered in the testing area.