The Happo Noshiro Offshore Wind Power Project is a significant step in Japan’s renewable energy expansion. Positioned off the coasts of Happo Town and Noshiro City in Akita Prefecture, this project aims to drive the country’s transition toward sustainable energy while promoting regional economic growth and environmental responsibility. With a planned capacity of 375 MW, this initiative underscores Japan’s commitment to offshore wind development.
➡ For an overview of all ten Promotion Areas as of 2025, see:
Promotion Areas for Offshore Wind in Japan – 2025 Overview
1. Project Overview
| Project name | Happo Noshiro Offshore Wind |
| Developer | Happo–Noshiro Offshore Wind GK |
| stakeholders | ENEOS Renewable Energy Corporation, Iberdrola Renewables Japan, Tohoku Electric Power |
| Location | Offshore happo town and Noshiro City, AKITA Prefecture |
| Type | Fixed-bottom Offshore Wind Power |
| WTG | Vestas |
| Price | 3 JPY/kWh |
| Capacity | 375 MW (15 MW × 25 turbines) |
| Start of Construction | April 2025 |
| Operation Period | June 2029 – 2054 |
2. Location and Site conditions
2-1. Wind Conditions
The wind speed within the zone is approximately 7.0–8.0 m/s (at 100 m altitude).
2-2. Water Depth
The water depth within the zone is generally less than 30 m.
2-3. Port Infrastructure
Construction ports: Akita Port and Funakawa Port for foundation work; Muroran Port for turbine installation.
O&M port: Noshiro Port.
3. Project Overview
3-1. Consortium Members
Under the overall coordination of Eneos Renewable Energy (ERE), the project aims to ensure smooth implementation through close collaboration between Iberdrola’s expertise in offshore wind power and Tohoku Electric Power’s deep understanding of the local community, with a focus on communication and coordination with regional stakeholders.
ENEOS Renewable Energy Corporation
- Serves as the lead company overseeing the entire project, including acting as the main contact for local stakeholders
- Drives the project forward based on insights gained from early development since 2017 and relationships built with local communities
Iberdrola Renewables Japan, K.K.
- Responsible for design, construction, operation, safety and quality, and risk management
- Promotes alignment between European best practices and Japan’s unique natural and social conditions
Tohoku Electric Power Co., Inc.
- Handles environmental assessments, design and construction of onshore electrical facilities, and operational management through its subsidiary
- Leverages its experience and know-how as a locally rooted utility to facilitate successful local implementation
4. Project Implementation Structure
5. Project Schedule
5-1. Overall schedule
- November 17, 2020: 1st Statutory Council Meeting
- January 29, 2021: 2nd Statutory Council Meeting
- June 29, 2021: 3rd Statutory Council Meeting
- June 24, 2022: 4th Statutory Council Meeting
- January 21, 2025: 5th Statutory Council Meeting
- February 25, 2026: 6th Statutory Council Meeting
- 2017-Present: Environmental assessments, site surveys, and stakeholder engagement
- 2026 January: Onshore construction begins
- 2027 May: Offshore foundation work commences
- 2028 June: Installation of turbines and transmission systems
- 2029 June: Expected commercial operation date
5-2. EIA status
| 事業名称 Project name | 事業者名 Developer | 手続段階 EIA Stage | 容量 Capacity | 基数 Turbines | 出力 Rating | 更新日 Last Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| （仮称）八峰能代沖洋上風力発電事業 Happo Noshiro Offshore Wind | 合同会社八峰能代沖洋上風力 Happo–Noshiro Offshore Wind GK | 準備書 Draft EIA report | 356MW | 25 | 15MW | 2026/01/08 |
Source: Environmental Impact Assessment Case Information (Ministry of the Environment, Japan)
5-3 Delay in the Commencement of Onshore Construction Works
At the 6th Council Meeting held on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, Happo–Noshiro Offshore Wind LLC announced the postponement of the commencement of onshore construction works as follows:
“Due to changes in the business environment following the public tender, we have concluded that we have no choice but to postpone the onshore construction works that were originally scheduled to begin in January 2026.
We are currently reviewing the revised construction schedule, including the new commencement date. Taking into account the government’s efforts to improve the business environment, we remain fully committed to completing the project in accordance with the publicly offered occupancy plan.”
6. LCOE and IRR Estimation
Evaluating the bankability of offshore wind projects requires close attention to key cost indicators such as LCOE (Levelized Cost of Energy) and IRR (Internal Rate of Return). However, in Japan’s Promotion Zones, detailed project-level cost information remains limited in publicly available materials. As a result, investors and developers often lack sufficient data to form a fully informed assessment.
To address this gap, DeepWind applies a proprietary cost model using representative site conditions for each project, including wind resource (capacity factor), water depth, distance to port, and distance to grid connection point. Based on these input parameters, we estimate CAPEX, OPEX, LCOE, and IRR in a consistent framework.
This approach allows us to provide a cross-project comparison of the relative economic positioning of Japan’s Promotion Zone projects.
▶ For the latest model assumptions and updated relative positioning, please refer to the cost analysis Pillar article below.
👉 Cost Realities of Japan’s Offshore Wind: Analyzing LCOE and IRR Across 12 Promotion Zones (Latest Edition)
Conclusion
The Happo Noshiro Offshore Wind Power Project represents a major milestone in Japan’s renewable energy journey. With its focus on sustainability, economic development, and technological excellence, it sets the stage for the country’s offshore wind expansion.
For industry professionals, investors, and policymakers, this project serves as a testament to Japan’s offshore wind potential. Stay tuned to DeepWind for ongoing updates on offshore wind developments in Japan.
To explore how this area compares nationally and understand Japan’s offshore wind roadmap, visit:
Promotion Areas for Offshore Wind in Japan – 2025 Overview —
your guide to Japan’s offshore wind Promotion Areas.
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- 🏛️Policy & Regulations – Explore Japan’s legal frameworks, auction systems, and designated promotion zones.
- 🌊Projects – Get an overview of offshore wind projects across Japan’s coastal regions.
- 🛠️Technology & Innovation – Discover the latest technologies and innovations shaping Japan’s offshore wind sector.
- 💡Cost Analysis – Dive into Japan-specific LCOE insights and offshore wind cost structures.