China: China’s first 16 MW tension-leg floating offshore wind platform has departed from Gaolan Port in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, marking another step towards the commercial deployment of deep-sea floating wind technology.
The platform, reported to be the world’s first of its kind at this scale, stands more than 307 m tall and weighs nearly 8,000 t. Once in operation, it is expected to generate 54 million kWh of electricity annually, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by around 35,000 t and cutting fuel oil consumption by about 15,000 m³ each year.
The electricity generated by the platform will be transmitted directly to an offshore oilfield power grid through subsea cables. The project is intended to demonstrate how floating offshore wind can be integrated with offshore oil and gas operations, helping reduce emissions from energy-intensive marine production.
The development follows recent progress in China’s floating wind sector. Earlier, China Three Gorges installed the 16 MW Three Gorges Pilot floating turbine off Yangjiang in Guangdong Province, using a semi-submersible platform, seabed mooring system and 66 kV dynamic subsea cable. The unit features a 252 m rotor diameter and is designed to operate in waters deeper than 50 m.
A related installation near Yangjiang also highlighted China’s progress in large-scale floating offshore wind technology, with a 16 MW turbine secured by nine suction anchors, polyester fibre cables and anchor chains to improve stability in deeper waters.
China has also advanced supporting offshore wind infrastructure, including the offshore floatover installation of the “Heart of Sea Wind” converter station in Yangjiang. The station is designed to collect power from offshore wind turbines, step up voltage, convert alternating current into high-voltage direct current and transmit electricity to the onshore grid.
Source: Global Times
