Kashima Port Publicly Seeking Offshore Wind Power Generation Business

Ibaraki Prefecture in Japan announced on June 18, 2012, that it would accept applications from private businesses to introduce wind turbine generators after designating an area for renewable energy utilization in the waters around Kashima Port in Kamisu City. This is the first initiative of its kind in Japan.

The area, 600 meters off the coast, runs parallel to the coastline for about seven kilometers north to south, and about one kilometer east to west. The area covers about 680 hectares, enjoying natural advantages such as good average yearly wind speed.

The candidate selected through open recruitment will formulate an execution plan after conducting surveys on geological conditions, navigation safety and environmental impact in the water area. After the prefecture, the city and institutions involved will then adjust and examine the plan, the approved business setup a power generation facilities in accordance with possession permission under the port and harbor law, and launch an electricity generation business.