On January 13, China completed the installation of the world’s first 20-megawatt offshore wind turbine. Located more than 30 kilometers off the coast of Fujian and at a depth of more than 40 meters, the unit represents a remarkable breakthrough in the global wind industry.
This wind turbine stands out not only for its power, but also for its scale: a hub height of 174 meters and 147-meter blades rotating in a 300-meter-diameter rotor. Its swept area is equivalent to ten standard soccer fields.
An offshore wind turbine with integrated innovation
Development and construction was carried out by a consortium comprising China Three Gorges Corporation (CTG) and Goldwind Technology, under the support of the National Energy Administration. The equipment is part of a key project in the national renewable technology R&D program. renewable technologiesand has been selected as a technology reference for the sector.
One of the most important achievements is the total nationalization of its components, from the blades to the control systems. This includes advances in lightweight design (less than 40 tons per MW), intelligent monitoring systems with LIDAR sensors sensors and an aerodynamic efficiency coefficient of 0.49.
More energy, less impact
Once connected to the power grid, the unit is expected to generate more than 80 million kWh per year. This production is equivalent to the consumption of some 44,000 homes, avoiding the use of 24,000 tons of conventional coal and reducing annual CO₂ emissions by 64,000 tons.
In addition to its energy and environmental benefits, the turbine will serve as a test platform for future ultra-high-capacity units, providing crucial data for the design, installation and standardization of next-generation technologies offshore.
Source and photo: Three Gorges Corporation