The world’s largest offshore wind turbine is gaining traction as wind farms issue latest purchase orders for the latest model. Built by China-based Dongfast Electric, the company has noted that it has secured a small batch of orders for its innovative project. The breakthrough comes just weeks after the installation of a record-smashing 26 MW prototype. The company erected the first of its latest turbine model onshore last month.
Through this, it wrestles the claim of having the world’s most powerful installed turbine . It is a record that was held by German-owned Siemens Gamesa. Yang Senlin, deputy director of the research and design institute at Dongfang’s wind power unit noted his insights. He said that the manufacturer has bid for projects with the new model. Moreover, he added that the bids had won a small batch of orders for the latest wind turbine. He is reported to have made the remarks during a government-organized group interview in China’s eastern Shandong province.
Project Factsheet
Significance:
- Set a new global record with a 26MW prototype installation.
- Surpassed Siemens Gamesa’s 21.5MW turbine installed in Denmark in April.
- Positioned China as the global leader in scaling offshore wind technology.
Infrastructure/Technology:
- Rotor diameter of 310 meters with record-breaking 153-meter blades.
- Hub height of 185 meters above sea/ground level.
- Built to withstand Category 17 super typhoons with over 30,000 components.
Developer:
- Designed and manufactured by China-based Dongfang Electric.
- Yang Senlin, deputy director of Dongfang’s wind power unit, confirmed early orders.
- Secured initial small-batch purchase orders from wind farm operators.
Market:
- Backed by China’s large-scale offshore wind expansion strategy.
- Orders supported through competitive bidding in China’s eastern Shandong province.
- Reflects growing global demand for high-capacity turbines.
The Significance of the World’s Largest Offshore Wind Turbine
The world’s largest offshore wind turbine is a remarkable feat not only for the company but also the world’s wind energy sector. The turbine has a rotor diameter of 310 meters with blades that are a record-breaking 153 meters in length. Moreover, the hub center for the machine is 185 meters above sea level, or in the case of its onshore prototype, ground level. The machine features over 30,000 different components and is resistant to even Category 17 super typhoons, said Dongfang. With installation of the prototype complete, Dongfang is now the operator of the world’s largest offshore wind turbine.
Siemens Gamesa had taken that record in April, when it installed a 21.5MW model at a test center in Denmark. However, the latest feat does not come as much surprise as China’s wind turbine giants have always led the race to produce ever more powerful machines. This comes amid concern, particularly in the West, that the constant scaling of turbines causes more problems than it solves. Because of this, supply chain players are constantly being forced to scale up in response. Nonetheless, other ambitious nations such as China’s neighbors South Korea can leverage the new project in the construction of the world’s largest offshore wind farm.
