The wind energy project will be supported by the Japanese government via the reconstruction budget from last year’s tsunami. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Nippon Steel Corp and Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding are also involved.
Marubeni acquired a 49 per cent stake in Gunfleet Sands from Dong Energy. It marks Marubeni’s first stake in an offshore wind power project.
In September, Japan’s trade ministry said it was planning a ¥10-20 billion ($130-260 million) project to develop a floating wind turbine in the deep waters off the northern coast.
Japan hopes to develop a 1GW floating offshore wind power off its northern coast by 2020. The announcement follows the passing of a renewable-energy bill in the upper house of Japan’s parliament.
