Monthly Report

KEPCO opens Sapporo office to strengthen local relations amid rising wind project opposition

July 24, 2024
KEPCO Wind Power Plant
KEPCO currently operates wind power plants in Hyogo and Aichi prefectures but has plans to expand into Hokkaido. (Image: KEPCO)

Kansai Electric Power (KEPCO) opened an office in Sapporo in July 2024, becoming the first major utility from other region to open an office in Hokkaido. The company did so to have a base from which it can boost its relationship with the local community ahead of developing wind projects in the prefecture.

While KEPCO rented office space in August 2023, it was not until this month that the company staffed it. Currently, three full-time employees work out of the office, primarily being responsible for strengthening ties with the Hokkaido Prefectural Government and the municipalities in which KEPCO plans to develop projects.

Over the last couple of years, KEPCO scaled down its Hokkaido wind project development plans amid raising concerns about wind power and its impact on ecosystems in particular. In 2022, it completely canceled plans to develop onshore wind power plants in Date City, Chitose City, and Shiraoi Town. Last year, it also considerably scaled down the projects it plans to develop in Furubira Town, Yoichi Town, Niki Town, and Kyowa Town.

The company is also planning to develop an offshore project off the coast of Ishikari City.

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