Hitachi To Expand Production Of Offshore Wind Turbine Components

Tokyo-based Hitachi Limited has revealed plans to expand its wind turbine components manufacturing business.

The company is planning to set up a production line for offshore wind turbine nacelles — the box-like structure atop the turbine which houses all the electrical components. Hitachi is planning to build nacelles for 5 MW offshore wind energy turbines, with production expected to start by the end of March 2016. This, in addition to the fact that Hitachi already manufactures nacelles for 2 MW offshore wind energy turbines.

Hitachi is believed to have already received an order to supply 5 MW wind energy turbines for an offshore project planned in the Niigata prefecture, with the company expected to supply 44 wind turbines for the 220 MW project.

Japan plans to add 260 MW offshore wind energy capacity over the next 5 years. The future of renewable energy in Japan remains clouded as the country recently restarted several of its nuclear power plants. But Hitachi can export its products to other countries as well. Hitachi has a significant presence around the world, and can market the new nacelles to new and emerging markets, including India, as Japan has close trade ties and Hitachi is a well-known brand.