GE Renewable Energy to supply 22 wind turbines for project in Japan’s Akita region

GE Renewable Energy announced Wednesday that it reached an agreement with Shimizu Corporation to supply 22 units of GE’s 3.2-103 wind turbines for the Akita Katagami wind farm in the Akita prefecture
in northern Japan.

The project will supply 66 megawatts (MW) of power to the region, enough to power the equivalent of 40,000 homes in Japan.

A Special Purpose Company (SPC) comprised of Venti Japan, Mitsubishi Power Corp and C-Tech will operate the wind farm once it is commissioned. The agreement includes a 15-year service agreement for
the farm. GE will establish a satellite facility for service and maintenance in Akita.

“GE Renewable Energy is a leading wind turbine manufacturer and long term service and maintenance provider,” Hiroyuki Sato, president of Akita-Katagami Wind Farm LLS, Venti Japan Inc. and Akita Katagami, said. “GE’s expertise in global wind market would be valuable for Venti as we are working for indispensable projects one after another to further establish more competitive wind power business in Japan”

The Akita Katagami wind project will have Japan’s largest installation in terms of wind farm capacity of GE’s 3.2-103 turbines. The turbines were designed specifically for Japan’s wind conditions and terrain and will be the largest class of wind turbines in Japan.

“We are delighted to launch our 3.2-103 turbine in Japan for the Akita Katagami Wind Farm, and help the Akita prefecture move closer to their renewable energy goals,” Pete McCabe, president & CEO of GE’s Onshore Wind Business, said. “By committing to provide the residents of Akita with affordable, reliable and sustainable wind power generation, and building a new, local service and maintenance facility, we will also help to bring jobs to the region.”

Construction of the Akita Katagami Wind Farm began in April 2017 and commercial operation is expected to begin in May 2020.