OMNI Features｜Tesco to Procure Two-Thirds of Cleve Hill Solar Project for Supermarket Chain Energy Supply．Akita Residents Question Local Economic Benefits of Wind Power as Profits Flow Elsewhere．Five Major South Korean Offshore Wind Projects to Rely on Chinese-Supplied Equipment

｜Tesco to Procure Two-Thirds of Cleve Hill Solar Project for Supermarket Chain Energy Supply
Tesco has entered into a significant agreement to purchase nearly two-thirds of the energy produced by the Cleve Hill solar park in Kent, which will be the UK's largest solar and battery storage project. This deal will enable Tesco to meet up to 10% of its annual electricity demand, providing power for 144 of its large supermarkets. Built by Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners, the £450 million solar park is expected to be operational by early next year.

The Cleve Hill project will feature over 560,000 solar panels and an energy storage system, with the site delivering a capacity of 373 MW. The French state-owned utility EDF will provide power balancing services. Tesco's CEO, Ken Murphy, described this deal as a key step towards the company's goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2035. The addition of Cleve Hill will increase Tesco's direct renewable energy sourcing to cover 45% of its UK electricity needs by 2030.

｜Akita Residents Question Local Economic Benefits of Wind Power as Profits Flow Elsewhere
Akita Prefecture has become a focal point for wind energy, attracting industry players and observers from across Japan. With over 280 onshore turbines and 33 offshore turbines in operation, and more than 150 offshore units planned, Akita is advancing towards becoming a major wind energy hub. This development, however, raises questions about its actual impact on local economic revitalization and the quality of life for residents, despite claims that it generates substantial tax revenue and job creation.

However, Akita is facing significant demographic challenges, with the population dropping below 900,000 in July and continuing to decline rapidly. Young people are leaving due to limited industrial opportunities beyond rice production and forestry, which has also been in decline. Wind power has emerged as a proposed solution since the early 2000s, fueled by government initiatives and energy policy shifts after the 2011 Fukushima disaster.

Local fishermen express concerns about the effects of offshore wind farms on their livelihoods. The promotion of designated "encouragement zones" for wind energy has eliminated the need for compensation to affected fishermen. Critics argue this policy unfairly disadvantages fishing communities and prioritizes external corporate interests over local welfare, as most of the project benefits flow out of the region.

｜Five Major South Korean Offshore Wind Projects to Rely on Chinese-Supplied Equipment
In five major South Korean offshore wind projects, including the Shinan-Ui Offshore Wind Farm, Yeonggwang Nakwol Offshore Wind, Jeonbuk Gunsan Offshore Wind Farm, and the Wando Geumil Offshore Wind Power Projects 1 & 2, Chinese companies have emerged as primary suppliers for essential equipment. This reliance on foreign suppliers highlights potential loopholes within the lowest-bid tender system. There are calls for the government to implement measures, such as mandating the use of domestic equipment, to shield the offshore wind sector from foreign influence.

The greatest concern within the industry is the submarine cable sector, as using Chinese-manufactured cables could expose sensitive seabed terrain and military information. Although these cables are equipped with sensors for operational management, their presence raises national security concerns. Despite these risks, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Korea Energy Agency have yet to conduct a thorough evaluation, underscoring the urgency for a governmental review to bolster national security.

Reference: The Guardian｜chosyu-journal｜mdilbo.com