Electric Power Development Co., Ltd., known as J-POWER, has joined Spain’s ESTEYCO SA in testing new floating offshore wind technology. The project is called WHEEL. It will take place off the coast of Gran Canaria. J-POWER announced this in an official statement.
The demonstration will use one floating wind turbine. It will have a capacity of 6,170 kilowatts. ESTEYCO developed the floating base called WHEEL. The aim is to test how the foundation works in real sea conditions.
J-POWER said this project will help them learn more about building, assembling, placing, and running floating offshore wind power. This experience could support new wind projects both in Japan and other countries.
The company noted that many floating wind base designs exist. WHEEL is made mostly from concrete, unlike many other steel-based bases. J-POWER says concrete might be cheaper to build. It might also cut carbon dioxide emissions during production. Local businesses could also find it easier to work with concrete.
This project is part of J-POWER’s “BLUE MISSION 2050.” The company wants to add more power that does not release carbon dioxide. Wind power is one of those areas. J-POWER’s goal is carbon neutrality by 2050.
In Japan, J-POWER is also working on other small renewable energy efforts. The company is looking at new wind sites off the coasts of Aomori and Akita prefectures. In these places, they study local port setups to see how much local companies can help build parts.
In Kyushu, J-POWER is exploring using small-scale solar panels on old thermal power plant sites. These panels can produce a few megawatts of power and help local grids. Small tests are also underway to add battery storage at these sites.
