China Builds the World’s Largest Offshore Wind Turbines
China is preparing to take offshore wind turbines to a new level by constructing a test platform for models of up to 35 MW on the coast of Yingkou. The project is being implemented by the state-owned energy company Huaneng.
The first stage involves the installation of a 26 MW turbine with an integrated 5 MW/10 MWh energy storage system, placing it on par with the recently installed Dongfang Electric turbine — the current record holder in terms of capacity. It is planned that the platform will eventually allow for testing even larger turbines — up to 35 MW.
The project’s infrastructure includes foundation preparation sites, assembly platforms, and engineering facilities to ensure the installation and maintenance of the giant turbines. Experts note that scaling up turbine size reduces installation and operating costs while simultaneously increasing renewable power capacity in coastal regions and advancing China’s carbon neutrality goals.
The global industry is also preparing for “superturbines”: the United Kingdom is expanding its testing facilities up to 30 MW, Vestas and Siemens Gamesa are developing turbines in the 20–25 MW range, and General Electric in the United States is working on its Haliade-X series with a capacity of 14–17 MW. Despite this, China maintains its lead in the race for giant offshore turbines.
