Tsugaru wind farm, the largest onshore wind farm in Japan has commenced commercial operation after two and a half years of construction. It is located in Tsugaru City, Aomori Prefecture, Japan, on agricultural land near the coast. Mott MacDonald was the lender’s technical advisor on the project, on behalf of Green Power Investment, owned by Pattern Energy.
The 121.6MW capacity wind farm will avoid the emission of 180,000 tons of CO2 per year, helping Japan to achieve its energy transition goals moving to renewables. The facility extends over 12km and is comprised of 38 GE 3.2MW wind turbine generators.
Mott MacDonald performed a full technical, environmental and social due diligence on the project, helping it to reach financial close. The project was developed according to unique Japanese standards for project design and certification as well as specific environmental and permitting requirements.
Mott MacDonald’s project director, Matthias Vinard, said: “We’re delighted to have been part of this project that has great social outcomes – around 90,000 households will be powered by renewable energy from the wind farm. The project will also diversify the economy of the local area through employment opportunities.”
Mott MacDonald previously worked as lender’s technical advisor for Pattern Energy on the 33MW Ohorayama wind farm in Kochi Prefecture, Japan, helping it to achieve financial close and confirming construction completion in line with best industry practice.