Sumitomo Corporation's Commitment to Japan's Largest Onshore Wind Power Project: Continued Reconstruction in the Abukuma Area, Fukushima Prefecture

The Abukuma Wind Farm was constructed in the Abukuma area – straddling Tamura, Okuma, Namie and Katsurao in Fukushima – after the Great East Japan Earthquake forced the evacuation of its communities. Development proceeded under Fukushima Fukko Furyoku, LLC, a joint venture funded by nine companies, including Sumitomo Corporation.

"Is this project really achievable?"

This question was on the mind of a project manager at Sumitomo Corporation when the company decided to join the project in 2016. The project was initiated through a public tender process in response to Fukushima's "Renewable Energy Promotion Vision" after the earthquake.

For Sumitomo Corporation, which has extensive experience in large-scale projects domestically and abroad, the project was unprecedented in scale. A wind farm with 46 wind turbines, each generating 3,200 kW, is unparalleled in Japan. What's more, this wasn't a solo project for Sumitomo Corporation – it was a joint venture between nine companies. Success demanded close coordination among all partners in a true team effort.

When the company decided to take part in 2016, it had been only five years since the earthquake, and the nuclear incident was far from resolved. At the time, a large portion of the Abukuma area was designated a "difficult-to-return" zone.

Despite the uncertainties, the team continued to persevere under the conviction that "The project directly contributes to Fukushima's recovery." It was a challenge nobody else was attempting – yet it was imperative – and this belief drove them forward.

The project faced a number of obstacles. The planned site was a national forest, which required a huge number of permits and administrative procedures. Developing a massive power plant on this scale in a national forest was unprecedented in Japan, and the authorities were unsure how to proceed, adding to the complexity.

Other difficulties followed. The port was busy, which delayed the unloading of the wind turbines from the ships onto land, and this was further compounded when an incident in the Suez Canal held up delivery of key components. In the face of each obstacle, Sumitomo Corporation moved quickly to resolve issues through careful coordination.

Despite the many challenges presented, encouragement from the local community kept the team going. During town meetings and at nearby restaurants during breaks in the construction, the team listened to perspectives from the local people. These conversations served to strengthen their resolve to contribute to Fukushima's recovery.

Finally, after nearly 10 years of hard work, the Abukuma Wind Farm was completed. Yet this doesn't signify the end, but rather a new starting point. Since the earthquake, Fukushima Prefecture has made the promotion of renewable energy a pillar of its reconstruction efforts. Their goal is to generate 100% or more of their energy needs from renewable resources. To help realize this future and support the community, Sumitomo Corporation will continue its journey alongside the people of Fukushima. Today, the wind blowing in Abukuma carries the promise of a brighter future.