The global wind energy landscape shifted dramatically as China connected the world’s inaugural 20-megawatt offshore turbine-set to the grid in Fujian Province’s marine expanse. China Three Gorges Group’s announcement highlights this as the first successful offshore installation and commissioning of such a powerhouse in history.
Engineered for extreme conditions, the turbine sits over 30 km offshore in depths exceeding 40 meters, with a 174-meter hub height matching a 58-floor tower. Its 300-meter rotor diameter covers space akin to 10 football fields, delivering more than 80 million kWh per year—powering 44,000 residences and displacing 22,000 tons of coal.
Featuring China’s proprietary airfoil blades with 20%+ lighter design via digital smarts, it significantly improves wind harvesting and electricity yield. This advancement equips China for broader deep-water offshore wind expansion.
Celebrated as a pivotal milestone, it showcases comprehensive Chinese prowess in ultra-large turbine tech. In the fight against fossil fuels, this project offers a blueprint for massive-scale clean energy deployment across oceans worldwide.