Toshiba ESS, building a system for domestic production of offshore wind turbines
Collaborating with a parts manufacturer, making it the base of the Keihin Office
Toshiba Energy Systems (Toshiba ESS) is steadily building a domestic supply chain for offshore wind turbines. First, we are looking for parts suppliers with the aim of domestically producing electrical cabinets that house devices such as the nacelle rear frame and control panel. About 30 companies gathered for the document screening.
The company plans to establish a cooperative system with a company that mediates between Toshiba ESS and small and medium-sized manufacturing companies. Toshiba ESS is also in talks with General Electric (GE), which it has an alliance with, so that it can supply its own transformers, switchgears and generators. (Keisuke Sumisaka)
Toshiba ESS has signed a strategic alliance agreement with GE Renewable Energy for offshore wind power. Planning to assemble GE wind turbine nacelle at Keihin Office (Yokohama City). GE has decided to supply the power to Mitsubishi Corporation, which won the "first round" of the public offering for offshore wind power by the government, and will work on building a supply chain in cooperation with Toshiba ESS.
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Toshiba ESS is expected to start manufacturing nacelles for the "first round" in 2026. Parts for the nacelle are scheduled to start production in 2025 at the earliest.
Toshiba ESS and GE are looking for parts manufacturers, mainly in power plant construction sites in Akita and Chiba prefectures. A briefing session was held in Akita Prefecture last year and in Chiba Prefecture at the end of January this year, and technical conditions were presented. About 30 companies applied for the document screening of the first screening in Akita Prefecture, where recruitment is ahead of the curve. After the second screening and final screening, the official selection will be made.
The nacelle rear frame is manufactured by the steel industry. It is a part that partitions the inside of the nacelle. Electrical cabinets house electrical equipment such as switchgear, and the barriers to entry are lower than for power units.
Toshiba ESS is considering collaboration with Daichu Technologies (Hanyu City, Saitama Prefecture, President Yoshihiro Sasaki) as an intermediary with electric cabinet manufacturers. Toshiba ESS appreciates that the company has a large track record of contract manufacturing of electrical equipment and control panels, and has a wealth of overseas experience, and can expect support with technical documents and contracts in English. A new company will be established in Yuzawa City, Akita Prefecture, and a secondary manufacturing company will be established as a subcontractor for Toshiba ESS.
Accelerating the target of "60% by 2040"
At a council with the government, the industry declared that it would raise the domestic procurement ratio to 60% in the supply chain for offshore wind turbines by 2040. In addition to the wind turbine itself, it also includes operation/maintenance and construction work. Regarding this target, Yuji Shimada, Senior General Manager of Renewable Energy Business Division, Energy Aggregation Division of Toshiba ESS, explains, "The nacelle assembly alone accounts for about 10%, and the electric cabinet and frame will add extra."
On top of that, he is enthusiastic about the goal of ``60% in 40 years'' and ``I want to move it forward as much as possible.'' With transportation costs soaring and exchange rate volatility increasing, the significance of domestic production is increasing.
Depending on how you count, a nacelle consists of more than 10,000 parts. Toshiba ESS also aims to supply parts by itself. In addition to transformers and switchgear, control systems are under development. It is expected to be introduced after the “second round” of offshore wind power, for which public offering has started. The company is also considering in-house production of generators. "We are considering (developing parts for) the power unit in order to greatly advance domestic production, but it will be a long-term effort," said Mr. Shimada. GE is also considering using Japanese companies for bearings, magnets for generators, and steel materials for towers.
Toshiba ESS will proceed with the maintenance of the Keihin office where the nacelle will be assembled. While making use of the existing turbine factory building, the shutter will be enlarged and a huge nacelle with a height and width of about 10 meters will be carried out. Jigs for connecting nacelles, generators and hubs will also be installed at the plant. It is a facility to lift a nacelle that weighs more than 700 tons.
Keihin Works, which is planned to be developed as a nacelle assembly base for offshore wind turbines
It is also preparing for GE's wind turbine enlargement. GE is building a platform so that even if the output of the next-generation machine is increased, it can be manufactured without making major changes to the factory equipment. The current model has a maximum capacity of 14,700 kilowatts, but the Keihin Plant says it can handle up to about 20,000 kilowatts.
It also plans to focus on maintenance of the wind turbines. Collaborate with local companies at the power station to contribute to improving the operating rate. "Maintenance service for 20 years is about the same as income from selling wind turbines," says Mr. Shimada, so manufacturers are very interested.
Denki Shimbun January 13, 2023
