Japan’s Largest Offshore Wind Farm Begins Operations at 220 MW Kitakyushu Project

Japan has taken a significant step in expanding its offshore wind energy capacity with the commencement of commercial operations at the Kitakyushu Hibikinada Offshore Wind Farm, a 220 MW project located off the coast of Kitakyushu in Fukuoka Prefecture. The project is being developed by a consortium that includes Electric Power Development Co., Ltd. (J-POWER).

The wind farm began commercial power generation on March 2, 2026, marking a major milestone for Japan’s renewable energy sector and strengthening the country’s push toward long-term carbon neutrality.

Project Development and Tender Process

The offshore wind project was originally awarded in February 2017 following a public tender conducted by Kitakyushu City for the installation and operation of the Hibikinada offshore wind power facility. A consortium including J-POWER was selected as the operator.

Following the award, detailed surveys and development preparations were undertaken through Hibiki Wind Energy. Construction of the project officially began on March 13, 2023, after completion of planning and environmental assessment activities.

Largest Offshore Wind Facility in Japan

The Kitakyushu Hibikinada Offshore Wind Farm comprises 25 large-scale wind turbines, each with a capacity of 9,600 kW, delivering a combined installed capacity of 220 MW. With this scale, the facility has become the largest offshore wind power plant currently operating in Japan.

Located in the Hibikinada Sea off the coast of Wakamatsu-ku in Kitakyushu, the wind farm is expected to generate electricity for approximately 20 years under its operational plan.

Supporting Japan’s RE Expansion

The project adds to the J-POWER Group’s growing wind energy portfolio across Japan. The company currently operates wind energy farms with a combined capacity of about 663 MW, while an additional 112 MW of wind projects are under construction.

Leveraging its experience in operating wind power facilities nationwide, the company aims to further strengthen renewable energy deployment as part of its long-term climate strategy.

J-POWER said the project supports its broader decarbonisation strategy under the “BLUE MISSION 2050” initiative, which focuses on advancing low-carbon energy systems and expanding renewable energy infrastructure.