JERA submits environment impact assessment for 520 MW Ishikari Bay Offshore Wind Farm in Hokkaido

JERA Co., Inc. plans to construct an offshore wind farm off Ishikari Bay, Hokkaido, Japan and has submitted its Planning Phase Environmental Impact Statement for the Ishikari Bay Offshore Wind Farm Construction Project to the Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry. JERA believes Ishikari Bay to be suitable for the development of bottom-fixed offshore wind power generation due to its favorable wind conditions, shallow seabed, and the spare capacity of the nearby power grid.

The planned offshore wind project will be located at least 2.5km offshore from the cities of Ishikari and Otaru and include as many as 65 wind turbines with a maximum generation capacity of 520 MW. To mitigate the impact on the power system of fluctuations in wind power generation output, the project includes the installation of an energy storage system.

The Planning Phase Environmental Impact Statement summarizes the results of deliberations regarding issues for which environmental conservation should be considered at the project planning stage.

JERA will move the project forward under the guidance of the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry and other related authorities, giving due consideration to the opinions of the other stakeholders.

The Planning Phase Environmental Impact Statement is the first of four phases stipulated under the Environmental Impact Assessment Law.