China Hoists World’s Largest 20 MW Floating Offshore Wind Turbine

CRRC, a state-owned Chinese company, successfully hoisted the world’s largest floating wind turbine at the Shandong Dongying Wind Power Equipment Testing and Certification Innovation Base, on January 11, 2025.

The turbine named “Qihang” is a 20MW floating offshore wind turbine, independently designed by CRRC. It was manufactured in Sheyang, Jiangsu, and rolled off the production line in October 2024.

In mid-December, the turbine was transported from Sheyand Port to Guangli Port in Dongying using a self-propelled modular transport unit before being moved to the test site for hoisting.

The turbine has a rotor diameter of 260 meters (853 feet), equivalent to seven football fields, and a hub height of 151 meters (495 feet). Each rotation of the turbine can generate enough electricity to supply a household for 2 to 4 days.

Over a year, it can operate for about 3,500 hours, saving 25,000 tons of coal and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 62,000 tons. It is designed to last 25 years.

The turbine integrates advanced control systems to ensure stability and minimise motion, even in challenging sea conditions. It incorporates multiple typhoon-resistant technologies to withstand extreme weather.

The design focuses on modular construction for flexibility, efficiency and reusability of key components.

The turbine is being tested with over 200 monitoring points to evaluate its performance under varying wind, wave, and current conditions. These tests cover critical components like blades, frames, transmission systems, towers, floats, and mooring systems.

CRRC is using integrated simulation testing to analyse aerodynamic, structural, and hydrodynamic responses, ensuring reliable operations.

The “Qihang” outperforms other prototypes, like Envision Energy’s 16.7 MW unit and Dongfang Electric’s 18 MW turbine, which began testing in June 2024.

While China’s Mingyang Wind Power is working on a 22 MW turbine expected later this year, the “Qihang” currently leads in size and capability.

After successful testing and certification, the turbine will be deployed in deep-sea areas for grid-connected power generation. China has already surpassed the UK to have the largest offshore wind installation base and aims to dominate the international market.

Reference: CRRC

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