China’s Dongfang Electric has recently made headlines by installing the world’s most powerful offshore wind turbine, surpassing Siemens Gamesa’s previous record-holder in Denmark. This impressive feat marks a significant milestone in the renewable energy industry, showcasing Dongfang Electric’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.
The 26-megawatt offshore wind turbine prototype is a marvel of engineering, boasting a blade wheel diameter of over 310 meters and a hub height of 185 meters. This makes it the world’s largest turbine in terms of both capacity and size. The turbine’s nacelle, which was shipped earlier this month, is also the world’s heaviest, further highlighting Dongfang Electric’s groundbreaking achievements in wind turbine technology.
Designed for areas with wind speeds of 8 meters per second and above, this offshore wind turbine is capable of generating an impressive 100 GWh of power annually with average winds of 10 meters per second. This amount of clean energy is sufficient to power 55,000 homes, significantly reducing standard coal consumption by 30,000 tons and cutting CO2 emissions by 80,000 tons. Dongfang Electric has also ensured that the turbine is wind-resistant up to 17 (200 km/h) on the extended Beaufort scale, making it a reliable and durable solution for offshore wind farms.
In May, Dongfang Electric completed static load testing on the turbine’s blades and is currently undergoing fatigue testing, a process that could take up to a year before the turbine is fully certified. This rigorous testing and certification process ensures that the turbine meets the highest standards of safety and performance, further solidifying Dongfang Electric’s position as a leader in the renewable energy sector.
As the world grapples with the urgent need to transition to clean and sustainable energy sources, Dongfang Electric’s groundbreaking offshore wind turbine represents a significant step forward in the fight against climate change. By harnessing the power of wind energy on a massive scale, Dongfang Electric is helping to drive the global transition towards a greener and more sustainable future.
