GE Renewable Energy has been selected by Shimizu Corp. to provide turbines for the Akita Katagami wind farm, located in the Akita prefecture in northern Japan.
The company is supplying 22 GE 3.2-103 turbines for the project, which will be operated by a special purpose company made up of Venti Japan, Mitsubishi Power Corp. and C-Tech. The project will provide 66 MW of energy, enough to power the equivalent of 40,000 homes in Japan, says GE. The deal also includes a 15-year service agreement for which GE will establish a satellite facility for service and maintenance in Akita.
The turbines, which will be the largest class of wind turbines in Japan, says GE, feature strengthened drive trains, upgraded electrical systems, advanced lighting protection, and reinforced towers and blades.
“We are delighted to launch our 3.2-103 turbine in Japan for the Akita Katagami Wind Farm and help the Akita prefecture move closer to their renewable energy goals,” says Pete McCabe, president and CEO of GE’s onshore wind business. “By committing to provide the residents of Akita with affordable, reliable and sustainable wind power generation and building a new, local service and maintenance facility, we will also help to bring jobs to the region.”
Construction of the project began in April, and commercial operations are expected for May 2020.
