50 candidate locations in Japan wind power plants
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Writer AndyKim
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Date 25-02-06 11:36
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Below is a list of 50 candidate locations in Japan that are considered promising for constructing wind power plants. These sites were selected based on factors such as strong and consistent wind resources, proximity to open or lightly populated areas, suitable topography (including coastal and high‑elevation sites), and supportive local or national renewable energy policies. As with any renewable energy project, it is essential to conduct detailed, site‑specific feasibility studies—including wind resource assessments, grid connectivity analyses, environmental impact evaluations, and reviews of permitting requirements—before proceeding.
For clarity, the following list is organized by region:
---
### **I. Hokkaido (Northern Japan – 12 Locations)**
1. **Nemuro Peninsula**
- **Overview:** A coastal region in eastern Hokkaido known for its strong, steady winds off the Pacific.
- **Key Points:**
- Consistently high wind speeds
- Vast coastal and open land areas
- Low population density ideal for large wind farms
2. **Kushiro Area**
- **Overview:** Located on the eastern coast, Kushiro offers excellent wind resources over flat wetlands and coastal plains.
- **Key Points:**
- Reliable wind patterns during winter months
- Suitable for both onshore and near‑shore installations
- Existing infrastructure supports grid integration
3. **Abashiri Coast**
- **Overview:** This coastal area along the Sea of Okhotsk features strong, cold winds.
- **Key Points:**
- High wind potential in a sparsely populated region
- Opportunities for large‑scale wind projects
- Minimal visual and noise concerns
4. **Sōya Subprefecture (Wakkanai and Surroundings)**
- **Overview:** Northernmost parts of Japan, with exposed coastlines and open plains.
- **Key Points:**
- Some of the highest wind speeds in Japan
- Ample land available for utility‑scale developments
- Strategic location for regional energy supply
5. **Sapporo Outskirts**
- **Overview:** The rural and suburban areas surrounding Sapporo exhibit moderate to high wind resources.
- **Key Points:**
- Proximity to an urban grid with high energy demand
- Opportunities for community‑scale and industrial wind farms
- Existing experience with renewable projects
6. **Tokachi Plains**
- **Overview:** A broad agricultural region in central Hokkaido with open, flat terrain.
- **Key Points:**
- Consistent wind speeds due to unobstructed landscapes
- Suitable for large ground‑mounted turbines
- Potential to integrate agrivoltaic or wind‑agriculture hybrid solutions
7. **Okhotsk Coast (Eastern Hokkaido)**
- **Overview:** This coastal area benefits from strong, cold winds coming off the Sea of Okhotsk.
- **Key Points:**
- High wind potential year‑round
- Vast coastal plains available for development
- Supportive local policies for renewable energy
8. **Hidaka Region**
- **Overview:** An area characterized by rolling hills and open farmland on Hokkaido’s southern coast.
- **Key Points:**
- Moderate-to-high wind speeds
- Available rural land and low environmental impact
- Proximity to local energy markets
9. **Iburi Region (Southern Hokkaido)**
- **Overview:** Areas in southern Hokkaido that combine coastal influences with upland terrain.
- **Key Points:**
- Variable but promising wind conditions
- Opportunities for mixed onshore projects
- Access to regional infrastructure
10. **Tokachi–Kushiro Transition Zone**
- **Overview:** A broad area where the flat plains of Tokachi meet the coastal breezes near Kushiro.
- **Key Points:**
- Synergistic wind regimes from both inland and coastal sources
- Ideal for clusters of wind turbines
- Supports grid interconnection
11. **Sorachi Region**
- **Overview:** Located in central Hokkaido, offering open agricultural landscapes with moderate wind speeds.
- **Key Points:**
- Suitable for community‑scale wind projects
- Opportunities for both repowering and new developments
- Proximity to local markets
12. **Kamikawa Region**
- **Overview:** An inland region in Hokkaido with rolling hills that can create local wind corridors.
- **Key Points:**
- Potential for wind energy with careful site selection
- Available agricultural and forest‑edge lands
- Opportunities for distributed wind installations
---
### **II. Tōhoku Region (Northeastern Honshu – 10 Locations)**
13. **Aomori Prefecture (Coastal Areas)**
- **Overview:** Parts of Aomori along the Sea of Japan exhibit strong coastal winds.
- **Key Points:**
- High wind speeds during winter
- Vast coastal and open land
- Low population density in rural areas
14. **Iwate Prefecture (Northern Coastal Zones)**
- **Overview:** Iwate’s coastline along the Pacific offers consistent, strong winds.
- **Key Points:**
- Excellent for large‑scale wind farms
- Integration with coastal grid infrastructure
- Opportunities for innovative offshore–onshore hybrid projects
15. **Miyagi Prefecture (Sendai Outskirts)**
- **Overview:** Rural areas surrounding Sendai provide moderate wind resources.
- **Key Points:**
- Suitable for distributed wind systems
- Proximity to a major urban center
- Supports local renewable initiatives
16. **Akita Prefecture (Coastal Plains)**
- **Overview:** Coastal and rural parts of Akita experience strong winter winds.
- **Key Points:**
- High wind potential during seasonal peaks
- Available open lands for turbine arrays
- Low environmental conflict
17. **Yamagata Prefecture (Inland and Coastal Zones)**
- **Overview:** Combines mountainous influences with open valleys for wind corridor effects.
- **Key Points:**
- Potential for both high‑altitude and valley wind projects
- Suitable for distributed and community‑scale installations
- Opportunities for complementary renewable projects
18. **Fukushima Prefecture (Coastal and Rural Areas)**
- **Overview:** With recovery and redevelopment underway, Fukushima offers open land and coastal wind resources.
- **Key Points:**
- Good wind speeds along the Pacific coast
- Available repurposed lands from decommissioned facilities
- Government support for renewable transitions
19. **Iwate – Kuji Area**
- **Overview:** A specific coastal locale in Iwate with high wind speeds and low population.
- **Key Points:**
- Consistent, strong winds
- Ideal for utility‑scale projects
- Support from local energy agencies
20. **Miyagi – Kesennuma Coastal Zone**
- **Overview:** A coastal area with exposed sites facing the Pacific, offering strong wind potential.
- **Key Points:**
- High wind speeds in exposed areas
- Suitable for large turbine installations
- Enhances regional grid resilience
---
### **III. Chūbu Region (Central Honshu – 10 Locations)**
21. **Niigata Prefecture (Coastal Areas)**
- **Overview:** With an extensive coastline along the Sea of Japan, parts of Niigata benefit from strong maritime winds.
- **Key Points:**
- High wind potential during winter
- Available open coastal plains
- Integration with regional energy infrastructure
22. **Toyama Prefecture (Inland and Coastal Zones)**
- **Overview:** Combining mountainous terrain with coastal plains, Toyama offers diverse wind regimes.
- **Key Points:**
- Opportunities for both onshore and ridge‑top turbines
- Consistent wind resources along valleys
- Synergy with existing renewable projects
23. **Fukui Prefecture (Coastal Plains)**
- **Overview:** Coastal areas with steady winds and flat landscapes ideal for wind farms.
- **Key Points:**
- Reliable wind speeds during key seasons
- Large agricultural areas available
- Supportive local policies
24. **Nagano Prefecture (High Elevation Ridges)**
- **Overview:** Mountainous areas in Nagano, especially on ridge lines, can provide excellent wind resources.
- **Key Points:**
- High‑altitude benefits boost turbine efficiency
- Opportunities for innovative turbine siting
- Requires careful environmental assessment
25. **Shizuoka Prefecture (Coastal and Inland Areas)**
- **Overview:** Parts of Shizuoka near the Pacific coast offer strong wind potential combined with mild climates.
- **Key Points:**
- Opportunities for both onshore and near‑coastal wind farms
- Proximity to urban centers for energy demand
- Integration with local grid systems
26. **Gifu Prefecture (Open Agricultural Regions)**
- **Overview:** Rural parts of Gifu offer open fields with moderate but consistent wind resources.
- **Key Points:**
- Suitable for community‑scale wind installations
- Potential for agrivoltaic or wind‑agribusiness synergies
- Low environmental impact due to existing agricultural use
27. **Ishikawa Prefecture (Coastal and Inland Zones)**
- **Overview:** Areas near the Noto Peninsula provide exposure to both maritime and land‑based winds.
- **Key Points:**
- Diverse wind resource profiles
- Available open lands for turbine installation
- Support from regional renewable initiatives
28. **Yamanashi Prefecture (Foothills and Open Valleys)**
- **Overview:** Certain rural valleys in Yamanashi benefit from channeling wind through mountain gaps.
- **Key Points:**
- Moderate-to-high wind speeds in selected corridors
- Opportunities for distributed wind generation
- Proximity to Tokyo’s demand centers (via transmission upgrades)
29. **Nagano – Matsumoto Area**
- **Overview:** A specific region with ridge-top and valley locations that can be ideal for wind energy.
- **Key Points:**
- High wind potential at selected elevated sites
- Integration with local energy initiatives
- Requires careful planning for environmental impacts
30. **Shiga Prefecture (Inland Open Areas)**
- **Overview:** Although more known for its lakes, some inland areas have modest wind resources that can be harnessed.
- **Key Points:**
- Opportunities for small‑ to medium‑scale projects
- Enhances local renewable energy mix
- Support from municipal sustainability programs
---
### **IV. Kanto Region (Eastern Honshu – 8 Locations)**
31. **Chiba Prefecture (Coastal Areas)**
- **Overview:** The eastern coastal parts of Chiba experience strong offshore winds that can be harnessed onshore.
- **Key Points:**
- High wind speeds along the coast
- Available land in less‑developed coastal zones
- Proximity to the Greater Tokyo Area’s grid
32. **Ibaraki Prefecture (Coastal and Inland Plains)**
- **Overview:** With extensive agricultural land and a long coastline, Ibaraki offers promising wind energy sites.
- **Key Points:**
- Consistent wind resource, particularly along the coast
- Suitable for both utility‑scale and distributed wind
- Supportive local renewable initiatives
33. **Saitama Prefecture (Outskirts)**
- **Overview:** Rural outskirts of Saitama, facing less urban development, may offer modest wind potential.
- **Key Points:**
- Opportunities for small‑scale wind installations
- Can complement other renewable sources
- Proximity to Tokyo’s robust grid
34. **Gunma Prefecture (Mountainous and Open Areas)**
- **Overview:** Certain open regions in Gunma benefit from channeled winds through valleys.
- **Key Points:**
- Moderate wind speeds with potential for distributed generation
- Available rural sites for community projects
- Opportunities for hybrid renewable systems
35. **Tochigi Prefecture (Agricultural Plains)**
- **Overview:** Open farmlands in Tochigi can be suitable for small‑to‑medium wind projects.
- **Key Points:**
- Stable wind resource in open areas
- Supports rural electrification and agrivoltaics
- Integration with local energy grids
---
### **V. Kansai, Chugoku & Shikoku Regions (Eastern and Southern Honshu and Islands – 8 Locations)**
36. **Hyōgo Prefecture (Coastal Areas)**
- **Overview:** Parts of Hyōgo along the Seto Inland Sea enjoy moderate-to-high wind speeds.
- **Key Points:**
- Opportunities for both onshore and near‑shore projects
- Available industrial and rural sites
- Supportive local policies
37. **Wakayama Prefecture (Coastal and Inland Areas)**
- **Overview:** Wakayama’s mix of coastal plains and hilly terrain offers diverse wind regimes.
- **Key Points:**
- Consistent wind resource in coastal zones
- Potential for distributed wind farms
- Proximity to urban demand centers
38. **Okayama Prefecture (Inland and Coastal Plains)**
- **Overview:** Known for its sunny weather and flat landscapes, parts of Okayama are promising for wind energy.
- **Key Points:**
- High solar complementarity with wind
- Suitable for medium‑scale projects
- Supported by local industrial initiatives
39. **Shimane Prefecture (Coastal Areas along the Sea of Japan)**
- **Overview:** Rugged coastlines with exposed sites offer strong wind potential.
- **Key Points:**
- High wind speeds along open coasts
- Opportunities for off‑grid and grid‑tied projects
- Low population density in many areas
40. **Ehime Prefecture (Shikoku, Coastal Areas)**
- **Overview:** Coastal parts of Ehime in Shikoku receive strong winds from the Seto Inland Sea.
- **Key Points:**
- Reliable wind resource
- Potential for rooftop and small‑scale wind installations
- Integration with local renewable initiatives
---
### **VI. Kyushu & Okinawa (Southern Japan – 7 Locations)**
41. **Kagoshima Prefecture (Inland and Coastal Zones)**
- **Overview:** With a subtropical climate, certain areas in Kagoshima offer strong wind potential, particularly near coastal regions.
- **Key Points:**
- High wind speeds during seasonal storms
- Vast open spaces available for utility‑scale projects
- Proximity to industrial hubs
42. **Miyazaki Prefecture (Coastal Plains)**
- **Overview:** Known for its warm climate and consistent trade winds along the coast.
- **Key Points:**
- Excellent for large‑scale wind farms
- Abundant rural land with minimal urban interference
- Supportive local renewable programs
43. **Oita Prefecture (Coastal Areas)**
- **Overview:** Coastal parts of Oita, facing the Pacific, can provide steady wind resources.
- **Key Points:**
- Consistent wind speeds
- Opportunities for distributed wind installations
- Integration with regional energy infrastructure
44. **Kumamoto Prefecture (Inland Valleys and Plains)**
- **Overview:** Certain open valleys in Kumamoto offer moderate wind resources suitable for smaller projects.
- **Key Points:**
- Opportunities for community‑scale wind energy
- Available agricultural lands for dual‑use projects
- Growing governmental support
45. **Fukuoka Prefecture (Northern Kyushu Coastal Zones)**
- **Overview:** Parts of Fukuoka near the coast can benefit from maritime wind effects.
- **Key Points:**
- Moderate to high wind speeds
- Available for rooftop or small‑scale ground‑mounted systems
- Proximity to a major urban grid
46. **Okinawa Prefecture (Exposed Coastal Areas)**
- **Overview:** Okinawa’s island environment and exposure to trade winds make it promising for wind projects.
- **Key Points:**
- High wind potential along coastal sites
- Opportunities for offshore and onshore hybrid projects
- Supports local energy self‑sufficiency
47. **Okinawa – Yonaguni (Outermost Islands)**
- **Overview:** Remote islands like Yonaguni experience strong, steady winds and have ample open land.
- **Key Points:**
- Ideal for off‑grid wind installations
- High renewable energy potential
- Supports local community resilience
---
### **VII. Additional/Interregional Candidates (3 Locations)**
48. **Tidal and Wind Hybrid Zones (Seto Inland Sea, spanning several regions)**
- **Overview:** Areas where onshore wind farms can be integrated with tidal energy systems.
- **Key Points:**
- Synergistic renewable energy potential
- Supports grid stability
- Innovative hybrid project opportunities
49. **Repurposed Brownfields in Rural Japan (Various Prefectures)**
- **Overview:** Numerous underutilized industrial or agricultural sites throughout Japan can be repurposed for wind energy.
- **Key Points:**
- Reduced land competition
- Potential for community and utility‑scale projects
- Supported by redevelopment incentives
50. **Coastal Offshore Wind Development Zones (Near major ports such as Yokohama and Osaka)**
- **Overview:** While primarily focusing on offshore installations, adjacent near‑shore areas can host onshore wind facilities to complement offshore arrays.
- **Key Points:**
- High wind speeds in coastal transition zones
- Enhanced grid connectivity from port infrastructure
- Opportunities for integrated renewable energy systems
---
**Final Considerations:**
- **Local Regulations & Incentives:** Renewable energy policies, subsidies, and permitting processes in Japan vary by prefecture and municipality. It is essential to engage with local authorities and energy agencies to understand the specific regulatory environment and financial supports available for wind power projects.
- **Site‑Specific Evaluations:** Detailed feasibility studies—including wind resource mapping (using wind speed data and modeling), grid connectivity analysis, environmental and social impact assessments, and economic evaluations—are critical to determine the optimal project design, scale, and location.
This comprehensive list of 50 candidate locations provides a robust starting point for exploring wind power opportunities across Japan. Each region’s unique climatic, geographical, and regulatory characteristics should be carefully analyzed to determine the best fit for your specific project requirements.
For clarity, the following list is organized by region:
---
### **I. Hokkaido (Northern Japan – 12 Locations)**
1. **Nemuro Peninsula**
- **Overview:** A coastal region in eastern Hokkaido known for its strong, steady winds off the Pacific.
- **Key Points:**
- Consistently high wind speeds
- Vast coastal and open land areas
- Low population density ideal for large wind farms
2. **Kushiro Area**
- **Overview:** Located on the eastern coast, Kushiro offers excellent wind resources over flat wetlands and coastal plains.
- **Key Points:**
- Reliable wind patterns during winter months
- Suitable for both onshore and near‑shore installations
- Existing infrastructure supports grid integration
3. **Abashiri Coast**
- **Overview:** This coastal area along the Sea of Okhotsk features strong, cold winds.
- **Key Points:**
- High wind potential in a sparsely populated region
- Opportunities for large‑scale wind projects
- Minimal visual and noise concerns
4. **Sōya Subprefecture (Wakkanai and Surroundings)**
- **Overview:** Northernmost parts of Japan, with exposed coastlines and open plains.
- **Key Points:**
- Some of the highest wind speeds in Japan
- Ample land available for utility‑scale developments
- Strategic location for regional energy supply
5. **Sapporo Outskirts**
- **Overview:** The rural and suburban areas surrounding Sapporo exhibit moderate to high wind resources.
- **Key Points:**
- Proximity to an urban grid with high energy demand
- Opportunities for community‑scale and industrial wind farms
- Existing experience with renewable projects
6. **Tokachi Plains**
- **Overview:** A broad agricultural region in central Hokkaido with open, flat terrain.
- **Key Points:**
- Consistent wind speeds due to unobstructed landscapes
- Suitable for large ground‑mounted turbines
- Potential to integrate agrivoltaic or wind‑agriculture hybrid solutions
7. **Okhotsk Coast (Eastern Hokkaido)**
- **Overview:** This coastal area benefits from strong, cold winds coming off the Sea of Okhotsk.
- **Key Points:**
- High wind potential year‑round
- Vast coastal plains available for development
- Supportive local policies for renewable energy
8. **Hidaka Region**
- **Overview:** An area characterized by rolling hills and open farmland on Hokkaido’s southern coast.
- **Key Points:**
- Moderate-to-high wind speeds
- Available rural land and low environmental impact
- Proximity to local energy markets
9. **Iburi Region (Southern Hokkaido)**
- **Overview:** Areas in southern Hokkaido that combine coastal influences with upland terrain.
- **Key Points:**
- Variable but promising wind conditions
- Opportunities for mixed onshore projects
- Access to regional infrastructure
10. **Tokachi–Kushiro Transition Zone**
- **Overview:** A broad area where the flat plains of Tokachi meet the coastal breezes near Kushiro.
- **Key Points:**
- Synergistic wind regimes from both inland and coastal sources
- Ideal for clusters of wind turbines
- Supports grid interconnection
11. **Sorachi Region**
- **Overview:** Located in central Hokkaido, offering open agricultural landscapes with moderate wind speeds.
- **Key Points:**
- Suitable for community‑scale wind projects
- Opportunities for both repowering and new developments
- Proximity to local markets
12. **Kamikawa Region**
- **Overview:** An inland region in Hokkaido with rolling hills that can create local wind corridors.
- **Key Points:**
- Potential for wind energy with careful site selection
- Available agricultural and forest‑edge lands
- Opportunities for distributed wind installations
---
### **II. Tōhoku Region (Northeastern Honshu – 10 Locations)**
13. **Aomori Prefecture (Coastal Areas)**
- **Overview:** Parts of Aomori along the Sea of Japan exhibit strong coastal winds.
- **Key Points:**
- High wind speeds during winter
- Vast coastal and open land
- Low population density in rural areas
14. **Iwate Prefecture (Northern Coastal Zones)**
- **Overview:** Iwate’s coastline along the Pacific offers consistent, strong winds.
- **Key Points:**
- Excellent for large‑scale wind farms
- Integration with coastal grid infrastructure
- Opportunities for innovative offshore–onshore hybrid projects
15. **Miyagi Prefecture (Sendai Outskirts)**
- **Overview:** Rural areas surrounding Sendai provide moderate wind resources.
- **Key Points:**
- Suitable for distributed wind systems
- Proximity to a major urban center
- Supports local renewable initiatives
16. **Akita Prefecture (Coastal Plains)**
- **Overview:** Coastal and rural parts of Akita experience strong winter winds.
- **Key Points:**
- High wind potential during seasonal peaks
- Available open lands for turbine arrays
- Low environmental conflict
17. **Yamagata Prefecture (Inland and Coastal Zones)**
- **Overview:** Combines mountainous influences with open valleys for wind corridor effects.
- **Key Points:**
- Potential for both high‑altitude and valley wind projects
- Suitable for distributed and community‑scale installations
- Opportunities for complementary renewable projects
18. **Fukushima Prefecture (Coastal and Rural Areas)**
- **Overview:** With recovery and redevelopment underway, Fukushima offers open land and coastal wind resources.
- **Key Points:**
- Good wind speeds along the Pacific coast
- Available repurposed lands from decommissioned facilities
- Government support for renewable transitions
19. **Iwate – Kuji Area**
- **Overview:** A specific coastal locale in Iwate with high wind speeds and low population.
- **Key Points:**
- Consistent, strong winds
- Ideal for utility‑scale projects
- Support from local energy agencies
20. **Miyagi – Kesennuma Coastal Zone**
- **Overview:** A coastal area with exposed sites facing the Pacific, offering strong wind potential.
- **Key Points:**
- High wind speeds in exposed areas
- Suitable for large turbine installations
- Enhances regional grid resilience
---
### **III. Chūbu Region (Central Honshu – 10 Locations)**
21. **Niigata Prefecture (Coastal Areas)**
- **Overview:** With an extensive coastline along the Sea of Japan, parts of Niigata benefit from strong maritime winds.
- **Key Points:**
- High wind potential during winter
- Available open coastal plains
- Integration with regional energy infrastructure
22. **Toyama Prefecture (Inland and Coastal Zones)**
- **Overview:** Combining mountainous terrain with coastal plains, Toyama offers diverse wind regimes.
- **Key Points:**
- Opportunities for both onshore and ridge‑top turbines
- Consistent wind resources along valleys
- Synergy with existing renewable projects
23. **Fukui Prefecture (Coastal Plains)**
- **Overview:** Coastal areas with steady winds and flat landscapes ideal for wind farms.
- **Key Points:**
- Reliable wind speeds during key seasons
- Large agricultural areas available
- Supportive local policies
24. **Nagano Prefecture (High Elevation Ridges)**
- **Overview:** Mountainous areas in Nagano, especially on ridge lines, can provide excellent wind resources.
- **Key Points:**
- High‑altitude benefits boost turbine efficiency
- Opportunities for innovative turbine siting
- Requires careful environmental assessment
25. **Shizuoka Prefecture (Coastal and Inland Areas)**
- **Overview:** Parts of Shizuoka near the Pacific coast offer strong wind potential combined with mild climates.
- **Key Points:**
- Opportunities for both onshore and near‑coastal wind farms
- Proximity to urban centers for energy demand
- Integration with local grid systems
26. **Gifu Prefecture (Open Agricultural Regions)**
- **Overview:** Rural parts of Gifu offer open fields with moderate but consistent wind resources.
- **Key Points:**
- Suitable for community‑scale wind installations
- Potential for agrivoltaic or wind‑agribusiness synergies
- Low environmental impact due to existing agricultural use
27. **Ishikawa Prefecture (Coastal and Inland Zones)**
- **Overview:** Areas near the Noto Peninsula provide exposure to both maritime and land‑based winds.
- **Key Points:**
- Diverse wind resource profiles
- Available open lands for turbine installation
- Support from regional renewable initiatives
28. **Yamanashi Prefecture (Foothills and Open Valleys)**
- **Overview:** Certain rural valleys in Yamanashi benefit from channeling wind through mountain gaps.
- **Key Points:**
- Moderate-to-high wind speeds in selected corridors
- Opportunities for distributed wind generation
- Proximity to Tokyo’s demand centers (via transmission upgrades)
29. **Nagano – Matsumoto Area**
- **Overview:** A specific region with ridge-top and valley locations that can be ideal for wind energy.
- **Key Points:**
- High wind potential at selected elevated sites
- Integration with local energy initiatives
- Requires careful planning for environmental impacts
30. **Shiga Prefecture (Inland Open Areas)**
- **Overview:** Although more known for its lakes, some inland areas have modest wind resources that can be harnessed.
- **Key Points:**
- Opportunities for small‑ to medium‑scale projects
- Enhances local renewable energy mix
- Support from municipal sustainability programs
---
### **IV. Kanto Region (Eastern Honshu – 8 Locations)**
31. **Chiba Prefecture (Coastal Areas)**
- **Overview:** The eastern coastal parts of Chiba experience strong offshore winds that can be harnessed onshore.
- **Key Points:**
- High wind speeds along the coast
- Available land in less‑developed coastal zones
- Proximity to the Greater Tokyo Area’s grid
32. **Ibaraki Prefecture (Coastal and Inland Plains)**
- **Overview:** With extensive agricultural land and a long coastline, Ibaraki offers promising wind energy sites.
- **Key Points:**
- Consistent wind resource, particularly along the coast
- Suitable for both utility‑scale and distributed wind
- Supportive local renewable initiatives
33. **Saitama Prefecture (Outskirts)**
- **Overview:** Rural outskirts of Saitama, facing less urban development, may offer modest wind potential.
- **Key Points:**
- Opportunities for small‑scale wind installations
- Can complement other renewable sources
- Proximity to Tokyo’s robust grid
34. **Gunma Prefecture (Mountainous and Open Areas)**
- **Overview:** Certain open regions in Gunma benefit from channeled winds through valleys.
- **Key Points:**
- Moderate wind speeds with potential for distributed generation
- Available rural sites for community projects
- Opportunities for hybrid renewable systems
35. **Tochigi Prefecture (Agricultural Plains)**
- **Overview:** Open farmlands in Tochigi can be suitable for small‑to‑medium wind projects.
- **Key Points:**
- Stable wind resource in open areas
- Supports rural electrification and agrivoltaics
- Integration with local energy grids
---
### **V. Kansai, Chugoku & Shikoku Regions (Eastern and Southern Honshu and Islands – 8 Locations)**
36. **Hyōgo Prefecture (Coastal Areas)**
- **Overview:** Parts of Hyōgo along the Seto Inland Sea enjoy moderate-to-high wind speeds.
- **Key Points:**
- Opportunities for both onshore and near‑shore projects
- Available industrial and rural sites
- Supportive local policies
37. **Wakayama Prefecture (Coastal and Inland Areas)**
- **Overview:** Wakayama’s mix of coastal plains and hilly terrain offers diverse wind regimes.
- **Key Points:**
- Consistent wind resource in coastal zones
- Potential for distributed wind farms
- Proximity to urban demand centers
38. **Okayama Prefecture (Inland and Coastal Plains)**
- **Overview:** Known for its sunny weather and flat landscapes, parts of Okayama are promising for wind energy.
- **Key Points:**
- High solar complementarity with wind
- Suitable for medium‑scale projects
- Supported by local industrial initiatives
39. **Shimane Prefecture (Coastal Areas along the Sea of Japan)**
- **Overview:** Rugged coastlines with exposed sites offer strong wind potential.
- **Key Points:**
- High wind speeds along open coasts
- Opportunities for off‑grid and grid‑tied projects
- Low population density in many areas
40. **Ehime Prefecture (Shikoku, Coastal Areas)**
- **Overview:** Coastal parts of Ehime in Shikoku receive strong winds from the Seto Inland Sea.
- **Key Points:**
- Reliable wind resource
- Potential for rooftop and small‑scale wind installations
- Integration with local renewable initiatives
---
### **VI. Kyushu & Okinawa (Southern Japan – 7 Locations)**
41. **Kagoshima Prefecture (Inland and Coastal Zones)**
- **Overview:** With a subtropical climate, certain areas in Kagoshima offer strong wind potential, particularly near coastal regions.
- **Key Points:**
- High wind speeds during seasonal storms
- Vast open spaces available for utility‑scale projects
- Proximity to industrial hubs
42. **Miyazaki Prefecture (Coastal Plains)**
- **Overview:** Known for its warm climate and consistent trade winds along the coast.
- **Key Points:**
- Excellent for large‑scale wind farms
- Abundant rural land with minimal urban interference
- Supportive local renewable programs
43. **Oita Prefecture (Coastal Areas)**
- **Overview:** Coastal parts of Oita, facing the Pacific, can provide steady wind resources.
- **Key Points:**
- Consistent wind speeds
- Opportunities for distributed wind installations
- Integration with regional energy infrastructure
44. **Kumamoto Prefecture (Inland Valleys and Plains)**
- **Overview:** Certain open valleys in Kumamoto offer moderate wind resources suitable for smaller projects.
- **Key Points:**
- Opportunities for community‑scale wind energy
- Available agricultural lands for dual‑use projects
- Growing governmental support
45. **Fukuoka Prefecture (Northern Kyushu Coastal Zones)**
- **Overview:** Parts of Fukuoka near the coast can benefit from maritime wind effects.
- **Key Points:**
- Moderate to high wind speeds
- Available for rooftop or small‑scale ground‑mounted systems
- Proximity to a major urban grid
46. **Okinawa Prefecture (Exposed Coastal Areas)**
- **Overview:** Okinawa’s island environment and exposure to trade winds make it promising for wind projects.
- **Key Points:**
- High wind potential along coastal sites
- Opportunities for offshore and onshore hybrid projects
- Supports local energy self‑sufficiency
47. **Okinawa – Yonaguni (Outermost Islands)**
- **Overview:** Remote islands like Yonaguni experience strong, steady winds and have ample open land.
- **Key Points:**
- Ideal for off‑grid wind installations
- High renewable energy potential
- Supports local community resilience
---
### **VII. Additional/Interregional Candidates (3 Locations)**
48. **Tidal and Wind Hybrid Zones (Seto Inland Sea, spanning several regions)**
- **Overview:** Areas where onshore wind farms can be integrated with tidal energy systems.
- **Key Points:**
- Synergistic renewable energy potential
- Supports grid stability
- Innovative hybrid project opportunities
49. **Repurposed Brownfields in Rural Japan (Various Prefectures)**
- **Overview:** Numerous underutilized industrial or agricultural sites throughout Japan can be repurposed for wind energy.
- **Key Points:**
- Reduced land competition
- Potential for community and utility‑scale projects
- Supported by redevelopment incentives
50. **Coastal Offshore Wind Development Zones (Near major ports such as Yokohama and Osaka)**
- **Overview:** While primarily focusing on offshore installations, adjacent near‑shore areas can host onshore wind facilities to complement offshore arrays.
- **Key Points:**
- High wind speeds in coastal transition zones
- Enhanced grid connectivity from port infrastructure
- Opportunities for integrated renewable energy systems
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**Final Considerations:**
- **Local Regulations & Incentives:** Renewable energy policies, subsidies, and permitting processes in Japan vary by prefecture and municipality. It is essential to engage with local authorities and energy agencies to understand the specific regulatory environment and financial supports available for wind power projects.
- **Site‑Specific Evaluations:** Detailed feasibility studies—including wind resource mapping (using wind speed data and modeling), grid connectivity analysis, environmental and social impact assessments, and economic evaluations—are critical to determine the optimal project design, scale, and location.
This comprehensive list of 50 candidate locations provides a robust starting point for exploring wind power opportunities across Japan. Each region’s unique climatic, geographical, and regulatory characteristics should be carefully analyzed to determine the best fit for your specific project requirements.