Ishikari Bay offshore wind farm features a combination of offshore wind power generation and energy storage. The project was among the largest projects of this kind in Japan, developed by Pattern Energy’s Green Power Investment (GPI). The sponsor had 8 domestic lenders joining the debt package as MLAs.
IT was one of the few industry-scale projects under the feed-in tariff scheme, in parallel to the offshore wind auctions launched by the Japanese government. The deal demonstrated stakeholder commitment to innovative clean power solutions and the country’s offshore wind sector.
The project has a 100MW wind capacity and a 180MWh energy storage capacity and is scheduled to commence operations by December (2023). Hokkaido Electric Power Network is the off-taker under a 20-year PPA for 100% of the power output.
The sponsor used wind turbines designed to meet local codes and standards regarding typhoons, seismic activities, 50 Hertz operation, and operation in high and low ambient temperatures. The turbines and supporting structures, including jacket foundations and towers, received ClassNK certification, confirming its fulfillment of stringent technical standards required by the Japanese government to approve construction.
GPI is among the earlier pioneers in Japan’s renewable energy sector, with a portfolio of more than 4GW of wind capacity. The project adds to Pattern Energy projects pipeline in Japan – 3 onshore winds under construction, 3 onshore winds in operation, and 2 solars in operation.