Off-shore wind power potential evaluation of entire Japan using GIS technology

The off-shore wind energy has been drawing interest recently. This research is focusing on the potential analysis of off-shore wind energy surrounding entire Japan coast using GIS technology. Base on the economy and environment assessment, this research is evaluating the current situation and forecasting on future of wind energy technology in Japan. In order to reduce the green-house gas emission, renewable energy (such as wind energy, solar energy, fuel cell...) will gradually substitute can be installed the primary energy resource (such as coal, oil, scale gas..). Based on GIS technique, wind power turbines in the surrounding area of Japanese coast-line. In the study, 2000 kW rated wind turbines are considered for further installation. As the result of this study, we have determined that 108,067 in 330 places number of off-shore with annual generation of 180.0 TWh are expected. This is equal to 20% of annual total generated power of Japan in 2010.