The world’s most powerful offshore wind generator, whose blades cover an area equivalent to nine football fields, was recently installed in China. The peak power of the installation reaches 20 MW. Over the course of a year, with an average wind speed of 8.5 m/s, the generator will generate 80 GWh of electricity. Even typhoons with wind speeds of up to 79.8 m/s are not afraid of it. And this is not the limit of gigantomania. Wind turbines in China will continue to increase in size and power.
Image source: Mingyang Smart Energy
The Celestial Empire is moving towards carbon neutrality at a colossal pace. The abundance of coal power plants in China does not allow this to be done quickly, but the goal promises to be achieved closer to 2040–2050. The construction of the most powerful wind generators brings this moment closer, making it possible to significantly increase the efficiency of each wind turbine put into operation. Only in June of this year it became known about the construction of an 18-MW offshore wind power plant in China, and at the end of August a message came about the completion of the installation of a 20-MW installation.
The creator of the turbine is called Mingyang Smart Energy. Completion of construction was marked on August 28. The MySE18.X-20 turbine can operate both with an output power of 18 MW and in the power range up to and including 20 MW. The design of the wind turbine, according to the company, is lightweight and modular, which is achieved through the use of carbon fiber. This allows the turbine parts to be easily transported to the assembly site.
Next year, Mingyang promises to install a 22 MW wind generator with a rotor with a diameter of 310 m – taller than the Eiffel Tower. And this is unlikely to be the last achievement.