10
2025.5.30
Asset Management
#Renewable energy#Urban development#Environment#Finance
Turning the power of the wind into a local power.
A new green energy source rooted in Otobe, Hokkaido
Messenger
K.D
- Company / Department
- MIRARTH Asset Management Inc.
Manager, Asset Solutions Division
Project
What is the outline of the MIRARTH Wind Power Hokkaido Otobe Power Station?
This is the second wind power plant for our group. It is located in Otobe Town, a coastal town about 70 km northwest of Hakodate City, Hokkaido, and was jointly developed with Japan Wind Development Co., Ltd. and began operation in October 2023. The facility consists of two 2.3 MW wind turbines. The total length of the wind turbine is about 120 m, the tower is about 78 m high, and the blades are about 41 m long, achieving both power generation efficiency and stability. The annual power generation is expected to be about 10.05 million kWh, which is equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of about 3,000 average households.
Please tell us how you came to develop this power plant.
The representative of MIRARTH Asset Management (hereinafter referred to as "MAM") at the time was introduced to this project by Japan Wind Development Co., Ltd. Subsequently, as a result of a detailed review of profitability within the company, it was decided to move toward acquisition. This is the first wind power project in which the Group has been involved from the development stage.
Were there any points you focused on in developing this power plant?
In developing the project, we placed the highest priority on gaining the understanding of the local community. Japan Wind Development played a central role in providing detailed explanations to landowners and also held close discussions with the city hall, striving to gain their understanding of the business plan. Wind turbines are usually installed closer to the sea where stronger winds can be expected, but in response to opinions from residents about the scenery and noise, we decided to move the turbines closer to the mountains, as far as possible without any problems based on the results of wind condition surveys, and we also made sure to proceed in harmony with the local community.
What challenges did you face in carrying out this project?
Although we received understanding from the local community regarding the construction of the wind power plant, there were still concerns about the impact of the prominent wind turbines on the landscape, and the noise they made while in operation. Regarding the noise, we can provide specific information about the level of sound and how far it will reach based on past data. However, regarding the landscape, although we can provide information such as the height of the wind turbines, ultimately it is largely determined by individual perception. Nevertheless, by providing detailed explanations, we were able to gain the understanding of the local community and move forward with the project. We are extremely grateful for the understanding and cooperation of the local residents.
Points
What were the results achieved through the project?
This was the first time that the Group was able to acquire a wind power generation development project and start a business. As a result, we were able to accumulate knowledge and know-how on renewable energy other than solar power. We would like to make use of this experience to acquire a variety of renewable energy in the future.
Currently, the Otobe Wind Farm is owned by MIRARTH Energy Solutions (hereinafter referred to as "MES"), which is responsible for the Energy Business of the Group. The addition of wind power plants developed through this project to MES, which has been conducting business based on its strength in the development of solar power plants, will enable more stable business operations as a power generation company. In addition, one of the major achievements was that MAM was able to demonstrate the synergy effect of "Energy Business × Asset Management Business" by managing the assets of this business.
We are happy to say that in April of this year, MES acquired a wind farm in Nakadomari Town, Aomori Prefecture, and we have achieved our second Asset Management Business project. We hope to build on this momentum to further accelerate renewable Energy Business.
"To design sustainable environments for a happier future for both people and our planet."
It is to create new value through the use of renewable energy and contribute to the creation of jobs and economic development in local communities. At the same time, we are working on our daily work with an awareness of contributing to the creation of an earth-friendly and Sustainability society by contributing to the improvement of global warming countermeasures and energy self-sufficiency.
