The Ohorayama Wind Facility was the second wind project that GPI completed in Japan, and the first for Pattern Energy. The facility, with 33MW in total capacity, is located on the southern part of the island of Shikoku in Kochi Prefecture. It reached commercial operation in March 2018 and operates under a 20-year power purchase agreement with Shikoku Electric Power Co.

Community

The Shikoku community is highly supportive of the Ohorayama facility, which brought in approximately 100 construction jobs and utilized local vendors. 8-12 full-time positions are also required to maintain the facility. Landowner and engagement value payments to the community are also providing increased economic stability to the area, which was traditionally known for its lumber. GPI is well-known in the area, thanks to other Kochi facilities like Otsuki.  

Environment

Built on a ridgeline in a forest-like area, Ohorayama Wind was specifically built on land currently used for industrial purposes. By combining both renewable wind and lumber, GPI and Pattern Energy are focused on maximizing results while minimizing land use.

The Ohorayama facility also provides renewable energy to the market while addressing the need for power without environmental risks associated with other types of energy.

Technology

The 33 MW Ohorayama Wind project consists of eleven 3.0 MW GE wind turbines.