Aarhus, Denmark
March 3, 2020

MHI Vestas Secures First Firm Order in Japan for Akita Noshiro Offshore Wind Farm Project

Akita Offshore Wind Corporation (“AOW”) completes firm turbine supplier agreement with MHI Vestas for the Akita Noshiro Offshore Wind Farm Project.

In a sector first for a utility-scale project in Japan, MHI Vestas Offshore Wind has completed firm and unconditional orders to supply turbines for the Akita and Noshiro offshore wind farms, jointly referred to as the Akita Noshiro Offshore Wind Farm Project. The wind farms have an expected combined output of 139 MW.

MHI Vestas will supply 33 V117-4.2 MW turbines in total, to be installed with fixed-bottom foundations at both sites. Installation is expected to commence in 2022, and will include a maximum 20-year (subject to the options being exercised) service and maintenance agreements.

“We are pleased to secure the firm order to support AOW in their development of the Akita Noshiro Offshore Wind Farm Project,” said MHI Vestas CSO, Henrik Jensen. “As Japan progresses towards a clean energy future powered by offshore wind, MHI Vestas and our parent companies, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Vestas, are ready to play our part. We’re looking forward to delivering the Akita and Noshiro wind farms with Marubeni and the rest of the AOW partners.”

13 turbines will be supplied at the Akita site, while the Noshiro site will incorporate 20 turbines. In total, the projects will supply the equivalent of nearly 130,000 homes.

The electric power output from the farms will be fed through both the Akita and Noshiro ports in Akita Prefecture, with an expected output of 55 MW at Akita Port and 84 MW at Noshiro Port.

“We are honoured to place a firm order of 33 V117-4.2 MW turbines with MHI Vestas for the Akita Noshiro Offshore Wind Farm Project. We have selected the reliable wind turbines of MHI Vestas, which have plenty of operational record worldwide.” said Akita Offshore Wind Corporation President & CEO, Keiji Okagaki. “MHI Vestas’ supply record, and the service and maintenance they will provide is highly valued by us. They have also supported our project finance arrangement for the 1st commercial base offshore wind project in Japan.”

AOW is a special purpose company led by Marubeni Corporation, with additional Japanese project sponsors providing development support to harness Japan’s abundant wind resources for clean, renewable power.

MHI Vestas’ first firm order in Japan signals a budding maturation of the offshore wind sector in the country.

About MHI Vestas Offshore Wind

MHI Vestas Offshore Wind is a joint venture between Vestas Wind Systems A/S (50%) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (50%). The company’s focus is to design, manufacture, install and service wind turbines for the offshore wind industry. The company aims to create sustainable value through offshore wind power by driving capital and operating savings and increasing the power output of wind turbines. An innovative force in offshore wind since its inception in 2014, the company is guided by its founding principles of collaboration, trust, technology and commitment.

About MHI Vestas Offshore Wind in Japan

MHI Vestas Offshore Wind has deep linkages with Japan through its parent company, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. In addition to supplying turbines to the Akita Noshiro Offshore Wind Project, MHI Vestas was also selected in November 2019 as the preferred wind turbine supplier for the 220 MW Hibikinada Offshore Wind Farm. MHI Vestas is now involved in projects targeting 359 MW of capacity in Japan.

About Akita Offshore Wind Farm

• Developer: Akita Offshore Wind Corporation (AOW). Led by Marubeni Corporation
• Installation Date: 2022
• Turbines: 13 x V117-4.2 MW
• Foundation: Fixed-bottom foundation
• Project Capacity: 55 MW
• Number of homes powered annually: 48,950

About Noshiro Offshore Wind Farm

• Developer: Akita Offshore Wind Corporation (AOW). Led by Marubeni Corporation
• Installation Date: 2022
• Turbines: 20 x V117-4.2 MW
• Foundation: Fixed-bottom foundation
• Project Capacity: 84 MW
• Number of homes powered annually: 75,308

About Akita Offshore Wind Corporation

Akita Offshore Wind Corporation (“AOW”) was established in April 2016 to implement the construction, operation and maintenance of offshore wind farms at Akita Port and Noshiro Port in Akita Prefecture. AOW aims to contribute to the local community and to combat global climate change through the development of the Akita and Noshiro Offshore Wind Farms.