Sumitomo-led JV switches on 147-MW wind park in Japan

Japanese joint venture (JV) Fukushima Fukko Furyoku LLC has completed the construction and put into commercial operation a 147-MW wind power park in Fukushima Prefecture.

Japanese trader Sumitomo Corp (TYO:8053), one of the nine companies in the consortium that formed the JV, said today the wind plant is the largest of its kind currently in operation in Japan.

Abukuma Wind's output will be sold to several companies and municipalities with business operations in Fukushima Prefecture through corporate power purchase agreements (PPAs) signed by Sumitomo. A portion of its revenue will be allocated to fund reconstruction projects in local municipalities where it is based.

The wind park consists of four plants in the Abukuma area. With 46 wind turbines, the wind asset should be capable of generating 360 million kWh per year, enough clean electricity to meet the power demand of 120,000 households annually.

In addition to Sumitomo, the consortium includes JR East Energy Development Co Ltd; Fukushima Mirai Kenkyukai; Japan Wind Engineering Co Ltd; Fukushima Electric Power Co Ltd; Shimizu Corp; Obayashi Clean Energy Corp Ltd; Renova Inc; and Shinobuyama Fukushima Power Co Ltd.