Japan's first floating offshore wind farm commenced commercial operations Jan. 5, according to Toda Corporation, the company that led the project.
"Through the long-term operation of the wind farm, [Goto Floating Wind Farm] aims to promote renewable energy and help improve the quality of life for local communities," Toda wrote in a press release celebrating the endeavor.
The most recent data from the International Energy Agency shows that Japan produced nearly two-thirds of its electricity in 2024 from coal, oil, and gas — fuels that release pollution associated with millions of annual premature deaths globally every year.
However, Japan aims to increase its renewable power capacity to achieve carbon neutrality — in other words, balance emissions by eliminating as much pollution as it creates — by 2050.
As Toda noted, the 16.8-megawatt Goto Floating Wind Farm is unique because it's the world's first commercial application of hybrid spar-type floater technology.
Kei Ushigami, Toda's head of marine renewable energy, told AFP (via France24) that this floating structure is especially suitable for Japan because the country is vulnerable to earthquakes and typhoons, and these types of structures remain "relatively stable."
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According to Toda, local companies played a major role in the construction of the eight turbines.
As Japan imports most of its energy, domestic production will also be a boon to local companies, which Toda said will manage the wind farm's operation and maintenance.
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