China Launches World’s Largest Floating Wind Turbine

A groundbreaking 20 MW floating wind turbine, named “Qihang,” has been successfully hoisted in China. Developed by the state-owned company CRRC, this turbine is touted as the world’s largest power-class floating wind turbine. Its successful installation marks a significant advancement in the exploration of ultra-large offshore wind technology. The turbine is set to undergo rigorous testing, paving the way for future innovations in renewable energy.
Innovative Design and Testing Plans
The “Qihang” turbine was produced in Sheyang, Jiangsu, and completed its journey to the Shandong Dongying Wind Power Equipment Testing and Certification Innovation Base in mid-December 2024. On January 11, the turbine was successfully hoisted into position for testing. With a rotor diameter of 260 meters (853 feet) and a hub height of 151 meters (495 feet), the turbine’s scale is impressive. CRRC claims that each rotation can supply electricity to a household for 2 to 4 days, potentially saving 25,000 tons of coal and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 62,000 tons annually.
The “Qihang” turbine surpasses existing prototypes from Envision Energy and Dongfang Electric, which stand at 16.7 MW and 18 MW, respectively. However, Mingyang Wind Power is developing an even larger 22 MW unit expected to be completed this year. CRRC’s innovative design incorporates advanced control technologies to ensure stability and minimize swing during operation. The turbine is equipped with multiple typhoon-resistant features and emphasizes the reusability and scalability of its components.
To evaluate its performance, the “Qihang” will undergo extensive testing with over 200 test points. These will assess various aspects, including blades, frames, transmission chains, towers, floats, and mooring systems. The testing will gather data on three-dimensional wind conditions, waves, and the floating platform’s response. After completing these tests and obtaining necessary certifications, the turbine will be deployed in deep-sea areas for grid-connected power generation, contributing to China’s ambition to lead in the offshore wind sector.