Implementing the world’s largest offshore solar farm in China is taking shape in unprecedented ways. Earlier this week, China Energy Investments connected the first instalments of its 1GW offshore solar farm to the grid. It is located approximately 8 kilometers off the coast of Kenli District in Shangdong Province, northeast China. Furthermore, the offshore solar farm is expected to be the largest of its kind in the world.
The project’s scope includes 3.000 platforms and over 1,200ha of ocean surface, a monumental feat. The 60m-by-35m steel platform used in the project is designed in a manner it does not float. Rather, they are fixed to the sea bed with steel fixed pile foundations. Once completed, the project is expected to generate 1,800 GWh of power annually. Furthermore, it is expected to meet the energy needs of close to 2.7 million people in the region. In a statement, China Energy noted that the output will be equivalent to burning 503,800 tonnes of coal.
The Contractors Involved in the Implementation of the World’s Largest Offshore Solar Farm
China Energy is one of the contractors involved in ensuring the implementation of the world’s largest offshore solar farm. The state-owned company is one that has proven reliable in various projects. The company combines power generation with mining and has delivered on most occasions. Moreover, the company boasts a turnover of $112 billion in the last year. From this, it made approximately $6.3 billion in profit. Other projects that the company has been involved in include the 3GW Mengxi Lanhai Solar Plant. It is China’s biggest, in Ordos, Inner Mongolia.
The monumental project took 14 months to build at a cost of $1.6 billion. It also has almost 6 million panels spread over 70 sq kilometers. Built by Power China on land, the aim of the plant was to supply power in coal mines. One of the most advanced projects, it includes the use of robotic arms, drone docking stations, and smart cleaning robots. China Energy also facilitated in the delivery of the world’s largest operational PV plant, the Midong PV farm in Urumqi.
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China Leads the World towards Clean and Renewable Energy Transitions
Adding the world’s largest offshore solar farm to its portfolio, China is leading the world to clean energy transitions. This endeavor reflects China’s strategic emphasis on leveraging renewable energy in its grid. Recently, the nation inaugurated the world’s largest single-capacity offshore wind turbine, showing its commitment. The turbine can generate 80 million Kwh annually at an average speed of 8.5 m/s. However, China does not seem it will stop there as analysts predict substantial growth in China’s offshore PV sector. China Forward Industry Research Institute Co. has provided an estimate of about 60 GW by 2027. This showcases the sector’s potential for expansion. The success in the connection of the mega offshore solar farm project marks a significant step in China’s transition. Furthermore, it acts as a call for other nations around the world to catch up as soon as possible.
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