Kitakyushu port deal boosts Japanese wind project

Japan’s Hibiki Wind Energy (HWE) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Kitakyushu City authorities to use port facilities for its offshore wind project.

HWE has proposed a 220MW project featuring up to 55 turbines just outside Kitakyushu port, on the northern coast of Japan’s Kyushu island.

Construction is scheduled to start in April 2022.

The subsidiary of utility company Kyushu Electric Power can occupy the port area for a period of 20 years, with scope for a 10-year extension.

In turn, the Kitakyushu City government intends to promote the port as a base for offshore wind power companies to establish facilities in the area.