Chinese state-owned manufacturer Dongfang Electric has reached a significant milestone in renewable energy, announcing the completion of the world’s largest offshore wind turbine, boasting an impressive 26 megawatts (MW) of power generation capacity. This achievement reflects China’s ongoing efforts to develop increasingly powerful wind energy solutions.
On October 12, the company shared a striking image on social media, showcasing the massive nacelle of the turbine, which dwarfs the workers surrounding it. The turbine is engineered to operate in locations with wind speeds of 8 meters per second (m/s) and higher, with the ability to withstand severe weather conditions, including typhoons.
Manufactured at Dongfang’s facility in Fujian Province, the turbine is projected to generate approximately 100 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity annually in areas with average wind speeds of 10 m/s. According to Chinese state media, the turbine’s blades encompass a swept area exceeding 310 meters, while the hub height reaches 185 meters.
This new 26-MW turbine surpasses the previous record holder, a 20-MW unit introduced by Mingyang in August, which had been celebrated as the largest at that time. The Mingyang turbine is capable of producing 80 GWh annually and features a swept area between 260 and 292 meters. Additionally, Siemens Gamesa has announced its plans to develop a 21-MW offshore wind turbine later this year.
China’s commitment to advancing wind technology extends beyond offshore projects; the country is also making strides in onshore wind energy. Earlier this month, Sany Group revealed the installation of a 15-MW onshore turbine, setting a new record as the largest onshore wind unit to date.
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