Japan's Power Market News 2025/W2

Government Announces New Offshore Wind Project Operators

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT have announced the results of the “third round” of public bidding for offshore wind power projects off the coasts of Aomori Prefecture (southern side of the Sea of Japan) and Yusa Town, Yamagata Prefecture.?

The consortium that won the bid for offshore Aomori consists of JERA (representative company), Tohoku EPCo, and Green Power Investment (GPI). The consortium that won the bid for offshore Yamagata Prefecture included Marubeni (representative company), Kansai EPCo, Tokyo Gas, BPIota, a subsidiary of British BP, and Marutaka, a local construction company. Operation is expected to begin in June 2030 in both areas.?

Evaluation Criteria and Future Bidding Plans

Regarding price, all bidders proposed a zero premium (3 yen/kWh) and received a maximum score of 120 points, making no difference in price points. The focus was on aspects of the ability to implement the project and coexistence with the local community.

The consortium led by JERA, which is participating in the project off the coast of Aomori Prefecture, was evaluated as “most in line with the wishes of the local fishermen” with regard to the layout of the wind turbines. The consortium made a proposal that was in tune with the local community while utilizing the knowledge of Tohoku EPCo, which is well-versed in the local area.

The consortium led by Marubeni, which won the bid for the project off the coast of Yamagata Prefecture, presented its own risk scenario in its business plan up to the start of operations. The consortium's unique perspective was valued more highly than other bidders.

This is the third offshore wind power bidding based on the government's Renewable Energy Sea Area Utilization Law. In the next and subsequent auctions, the current “promising areas” will be stepped up to “promotion areas” and will be subject to public bidding.

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