China is undergoing a substantial energy transformation as a pivotal component of its commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2060.
Ming Yang Smart Energy Group in China plans to construct the world’s largest offshore wind turbine, equipped with blades almost as tall as the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The company aims to develop a groundbreaking 22-megawatt turbine with a rotor diameter exceeding 310 meters, surpassing existing turbines in capturing wind and generating power. The prototype is anticipated to be built by 2024 or 2025, marking a significant stride in China’s renewable energy efforts.
This announcement follows Ming Yang’s recent introduction of an 18-megawatt turbine with a 140-meter diameter earlier this year. Additionally, the company has revealed its largest onshore wind turbine with an 11-megawatt capacity and blades covering an area equivalent to six soccer fields.
The offshore wind industry is witnessing a competition to construct larger and more efficient turbines, driven by the goal of lowering costs and increasing output. The appeal of larger turbines lies in their ability to achieve the same capacity with fewer installations and less maintenance. However, the industry faces supply chain reliability issues, quality problems, and logistical restrictions. Siemens Energy, a prominent player in wind energy, recently warned of costly failures at its wind turbine subsidiary Siemens Gamesa, leading to a net loss of 4.5 billion euros for the fiscal year.
China’s push for more giant turbines aligns with its broader initiative to revamp its energy sources, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2060. The nation employs a mix of solar, hydro, and offshore wind farms to transition away from coal, which has fueled its growth over many decades.
Full-scale operations began this week at the Kela photovoltaic (PV) power station in Sichuan, recognized as the world’s largest hydro-solar plant. China has also been ambitious in developing and implementing newer technologies, such as high-output wind turbines.
As the world looks toward more consistent renewable energy sources, wind farms are rapidly becoming the top choice for many nations. Larger turbines offer benefits beyond generating energy during nighttime and can be positioned in territorial waters where stronger winds prevail without impacting limited land resources.
Typically, 10 MW turbines have been used for offshore wind projects. However, more giant capacity turbines can generate much higher power outputs while production and installation costs do not increase proportionally.
China’s push for more giant turbines has been sponsored by the state, with the China Three Gorges (CTG) company partnering with Goldwind Science and Technology to build a 16 MW turbine. The installation of this turbine began off the coast of Fujian Province in February, contributing to the Zhangpu Liuao wind farm. The project aims to install 400 MW capacity and is expected to generate 1.6TWh of electricity, saving 500,000 tons of coal and 1.36 million tons of emissions annually.
However, another Chinese company claims to have developed an even larger 18 MW turbine, potentially setting a new standard for powering homes annually.
