Bidding to Open for Japan's Hokkaido-Honshu 2GW Project

The bidding process for the Hokkaido-Honshu 2GW HVDC project is set to move forward. This project involves the construction of a new 2GW HVDC submarine power cable spanning 800 kilometers across the Japan Sea, connecting Hokkaido to Honshu. The initiative is part of Japan's efforts to enhance its grid capacity and integrate renewable energy sources more effectively.

The pre-qualification phase for the project concluded recently, with two consortia expressing interest. The first consortium includes Hokkaido Electric Power Network, Tohoku Electric Power Network, TEPCO Power Grid, and J-POWER Transmission Network. The second consortium is comprised of Japan Interconnector Inc. and its joint venture partner, Frontier Power Ltd., along with Frontier Power Asia.

This project is not only the first long-distance subsea power cable in Japan but also one of the country's largest infrastructure undertakings in recent years. It aims to significantly expand transmission capacity from Hokkaido, which is rich in renewable energy resources, to the high-demand Tokyo area. The project's completion is targeted for the early 2030s, with an estimated cost ranging from 1.5 to 1.8 trillion yen (approximately $9.5 to $11.5 billion).

The project aligns with Japan's goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. By enhancing the grid's capacity to transmit renewable energy from Hokkaido to other regions, it will play a crucial role in stabilizing the supply of electricity and supporting the integration of intermittent renewable energy sources. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to connect all of Japan through a robust grid, ensuring a stable and sustainable energy supply across the country.

As the bidding process unfolds, the project is poised to make a significant impact on Japan's energy landscape, contributing to both economic growth and environmental sustainability.

‍