Kitakyushu — April 25, 2025 — Japan’s first floating wind turbine, the hibiki project, has officially begun commercial operation. Located off the coast of kitakyushu,the project represents a notable step forward for Japan’s renewable energy sector. The 3 MW turbine, developed by glocal, will supply electricity to Kyushu Electric Power Company. This initiative highlights the growing momentum of floating offshore wind technology, driving further growth in the region.
japan’s first floating wind turbine, hibiki, enters commercial operation
the hibiki floating wind turbine, a pioneering project off the coast of kitakyushu, japan, has officially commenced commercial operations, marking a meaningful milestone in the country’s pursuit of renewable energy.
project overview
- location: 15 kilometers off the kitakyushu coast.
- turbine type: aerodyn scd 3 mw two-bladed turbine.
- foundation: ideol’s damping pool floating foundation.
- capacity: 3 mw.
- commercial operation date: march 2024.
key players
- developer: glocal.
- management & operation: hibiki floating wind power (hfwp).
- asset management: smfl mirai partners.
- electricity purchaser: kyushu electric power company.
- investors: renewable japan, kemco, gojin group, and chugoku electric power.
a pioneering project
the hibiki project stands out as japan’s first steel barge-type floating wind turbine and the second to be commercialized in the nation.
initially commissioned in may 2019, the turbine was part of a demonstration project led by glocal under the new energy and industrial technology development organization (nedo) [[1]].
following the completion of the demonstration study in march 2024, glocal assumed full control of the project from nedo, establishing hibiki floating wind power (hfwp) to oversee the wind farm’s management and operation.
powering kyushu
the electricity generated by the 3 mw wind turbine will be supplied to kyushu electric power company, contributing to the region’s renewable energy mix.
glocal will handle operation and maintenance (o&m), while smfl mirai partners will manage the asset portfolio.
investor confidence
the project has garnered significant investor interest, with renewable japan, kemco, gojin group, and chugoku electric power among the stakeholders in the special-purpose company.
the future of floating offshore wind in japan
the successful commercialization of the hibiki project underscores japan’s commitment to advancing floating offshore wind technology.
with ongoing government support and increasing industry collaboration, japan is poised to become a leader in this rapidly growing sector.
frequently asked questions (faq)
- what is the capacity of the hibiki floating wind turbine?
- the turbine has a capacity of 3 mw.
- where is the hibiki wind turbine located?
- it is located 15 kilometers off the kitakyushu coast in japan.
- who is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the wind farm?
- glocal is responsible for operation and maintenance (o&m).
- who will receive the electricity generated by the turbine?
- the electricity will be supplied to kyushu electric power company.
- what type of floating foundation does the turbine use?
- it uses ideol’s damping pool floating foundation.
