Town measures wind

Not far from Kusumaki's Eco World showcase (above), wind measuring has started at a potential wind plant site of 700 hectares. The town has commissioned one of Japan's largest energy developers, Electric Power Development Co (EPDC), or Dengen Kaihatsu Co, to carry out a one year measurement program. EPDC will erect four anemometers at the site. If the results are satisfactory, the town hopes to invest in a large wind project together with EPDC. EPDC has previously announced plans to develop up to 90 MW of wind in Japan (Windpower Monthly, July 1998). "Nothing has been decided yet. It is up to Electric Power Development to decide," says Joyaku Tadoguchi from Kusumaki town hall.