Japanese conglomerate ORIX starts seabed survey in Choshi

The survey is expected to end 15 March 2019.

Japanese conglomerate ORIX Corporation has begun a seabed geological survey off the coast of Choshi, Chiba Prefecture, with the aim of the feasibility study of an offshore wind power generation business.

According to an announcement, ORIX is carrying out an acoustic seabed survey in the waters off the Choshi coast. Research vessels fitted with equipment such as an acoustic bottom profiler are supposed to sail around the waters and investigate the conditions, the ground structure, and the topography of the seabed.

ORIX started conducting the survey on 30 January 2019 and will extend it until 15 March 2019. It has obtained the consent of relevant local parties.

ORIX has been investing in the onshore wind power generation business both in Japan and overseas since 1995. “ORIX is engaged in surveys and discussions aimed at the development of its wind power generation business, including offshore wind farms,” the company added.

ORIX has activities with regard to solar, geothermal, wind, and biomass power plants.

The conglomerate is one of the many entities eyeing offshore wind in Japan. Tokyo Electric Power Corporation (TEPCO) started a seabed survey in Choshi to study the bedrock structure for a potential offshore wind farm. The scheduled ending of the survey is in January 2019.