The ReENE Matsumae wind farm in Japan has successfully commenced commercial operation. Mott MacDonald was the technical advisor on the project, supporting Tokyu Land, a Japanese real estate developer.
Located in southern Hokkaido Prefecture, the ReENE Matsumae wind farm has a capacity of 40.8MW and comprises 12 SGRE wind turbine generators (WTGs) of 3.4MW rated power each – the largest capacity of a commercial WTG in Japan.
The project is the first wind farm in Hokkaido to include a battery storage system which reduces the electricity output fluctuation due to the variability of the wind. It therefore meets the local electric power utility's technical requirements and continues to provide energy when the wind doesn’t blow.
Mott MacDonald provided negotiation support on the wind turbine supply, operations and maintenance agreements for the project from an early stage to confirm alignment with best industry practice. In addition, it reviewed the proposed WTG technology and the agreements for engineering, procurement and construction of the civil and electrical works, as well as supply of the battery storage system. The consultancy has also confirmed the project meets special requirements for Japanese-specific hazardous conditions like typhoons and lightning.
Alejandro Menendez Engra, Mott MacDonald’s project manager, said: “Our involvement in the project has helped to define contractors’ scopes, improved Tokyu Land’s commercial position and added confidence in the proposed technology. We’re delighted to see this project commence commercial operation.”
Developed and sponsored by Tokyu Land Corporation and Japan Wind Development, the wind farm has an expected energy production equivalent to the amount consumed by 30,000 households per year and will help Japan to achieve its energy transition goals.
