According to the National Bureau of Statistics, in the first half of 2023, China's total generated power reached 4.17 trillion kWh, up 3.8% year-on-year, with wind power increasing 16% year-on-year.
China has invested in and built the world's largest offshore wind farm in terms of single-unit capacity, in the Fujian province. The wind farm, which is located approximately 35 kilometers offshore from Pingtan, consists of 11 offshore wind turbine units, including the world's largest 16-megawatt offshore wind turbine unit. The total installed capacity of the wind farm reaches 111 megawatts.
The 16-megawatt offshore wind turbine is 152 meters high and includes the world's longest turbine blades at 123 meters, and each blade weighs 54 tons. The total swept area of the three blades is approximately 50,000 m2, which is equivalent to the area of seven standard-sized football fields.
At full wind speed, the wind turbine can generate 34.2 kWh of power after one full rotation. Its annual power output is estimated to average over 66 million kWh and is expected to meet the annual demand of 36,000 three-person families, saving 22,000 tons of standard coal, and reducing 54,000 tons of carbon dioxide.
The altitude and the marine environment made this project extremely complex. Additionally, the wind-exposed surface area of the turbine increases with each blade added. As a result, the third blade had to be installed in one operation without interruption to ensure the overall stability of the structure. This required particular demands from the generator.
Chengdu Shiwei Technology Corporation recommended Atlas Copco's QES 60 power generator as they knew it would be able to operate reliably in these challenging conditions. The QES 60 was ideal for the application as it can withstand harsh elements and is equipped with a remote operation and monitoring system. Operators can instruct the unit from a distant platform, monitoring the generators' performance and overseeing the process remotely.
The installation of the vast offshore wind farm marks a breakthrough in high-end wind turbine manufacturing and deep-sea offshore wind power construction capabilities.
