Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd has announced an investment in Windplus, the operator of the floating offshore wind farm WindFloat Atlantic, in partnership with Ocean Winds.
This strategic move marks Tokyo Gas’s first venture into the overseas floating offshore wind power sector.
Investment Details
Tokyo Gas has entered into a joint venture with Ocean Winds, a joint shareholder of Principle Power, in which Tokyo Gas had previously invested in May 2020.
This new investment places Tokyo Gas in the international floating offshore wind power market for the first time, highlighting its commitment to renewable energy and technological advancement.
WindFloat Atlantic Overview
WindFloat Atlantic stands out as one of the few floating offshore wind farms globally equipped with large-scale wind turbines of the 10,000 kW class.
Utilizing Principle Power’s WindFloat® technology, the farm boasts high technological maturity and structural stability.
The technology is proven to withstand challenging marine conditions, including wave heights up to 20 meters and instantaneous wind speeds reaching 38.8 meters per second.
Strategic Goals and Benefits
Through its participation in the WindFloat Atlantic project, Tokyo Gas aims to gain valuable experience in operating floating offshore wind power systems.
The focus will be on mastering advanced operation and maintenance (O&M) techniques that leverage digital and next-generation technologies.
Given Japan’s geographic context, surrounded by deep seas, there is significant potential for expanding floating offshore wind power generation in areas with favorable wind conditions.
Contribution to Japan’s Renewable Energy Sector
Tokyo Gas plans to use Principle Power’s reliable floating foundation technology, which has a proven track record in project finance-backed initiatives.
This technology will play a crucial role in revitalizing related domestic industries and achieving a carbon-neutral society in Japan by accelerating the implementation of floating offshore wind power generation.
Executive Statements
Kentaro Kimoto, Executive Vice President and Head of GX Company, Tokyo Gas, expressed his enthusiasm: “Ocean Winds is a pioneer in floating offshore wind power and is expanding offshore wind power globally. We are very pleased to further strengthen our cooperative relationship with Ocean Winds through our participation in WindFloat Atlantic. Going forward, we will utilise the knowledge and experience gained from this project to work towards the large scale commercialisation of floating offshore wind power in Japan.”
Craig Windram, CEO of Ocean Winds, also commented: “We are excited to have Tokyo Gas as a familiar partner in our more than 10 year effort to develop, build, and currently operate WindFloat Atlantic. We look forward to further strengthening our relationship toward our common goal: to advance the clean energy transition and create a strong, sustainable industry and profits through the development of floating offshore wind. This collaboration has the potential to advance the development of floating offshore wind in Japan, contribute to achieving renewable energy targets, and realise a resilient and green energy mix of the future.”
Future Prospects
This collaboration is set to pave the way for the advancement of floating offshore wind power in Japan, contributing significantly to the country’s renewable energy goals and ensuring a sustainable, resilient energy future.
By leveraging advanced technology and international cooperation, Tokyo Gas aims to lead the way in Japan’s clean energy transition.