By WWEA, edited by Renewable Energy Focus staff

As of the end of 2010, Japan had a total installed wind capacity of 2304 MW, with 1746 wind turbines.

Kamisu offshore wind farm became the first survivor against a tsunami in the world. There are 7 units of 2 MW SUBARU80/2.0 wind turbines on monopile foundations, about 40 m offshore from the coast. Kamisu is located about 300 km from the epicentre of the earthquake, and an about 5 m height tsunami hit this area. But the Kamisu offshore wind farm has survived and is now in operation.

Also these results suggest that the anti-earthquake construction design of wind farms in Japan is very reliable. Japan has proven to be a world leader in such so-called ‘battle proof design’.

Most of the wind turbines installed in Japan are in operation now. As the electricity is temporarily running short at the Eastern part of Japan, these wind turbines contribute to the national electricity supply.

World Wind Energy Association (WWEA) Vice President Prof. Chuichi Arakawa, says: "Now we have to make strong efforts in Japan to focus much more on renewables, especially wind power, for the next road map of energy and environment. Various studies have shown that Japan is blessed with an abundance of wind and other renewable resources which can be used to rebuild and strengthen our country. We need some time to summarize this situation while taking Japanese mentality into account. However, I am confident that Japan will draw the necessary conclusions from the recent incidents and hopefully start to become a renewable energy nation."

WWEA Secretary General Stefan Gsänger, adds: "It will be of crucial importance for Japan, like for any other country, to reduce dangerous impacts of hazardous nuclear power on its citizens and to replace nuclear power as soon as possible by renewable energy sources. The worldwide wind community offers its advice to the Japanese people and government in order to help the country to overcome the terrible disasters and to make the country a global leader in renewable energy technologies."