China strengthens clean energy with world-first floating wind technology

The world’s first floating offshore wind platform, designed to accommodate a single 16 MW turbine and featuring tension-leg supports, has set sail from Zhuhai in Guangdong Province, southern China. The tension-leg platform (TLP) structure is held in place by tensioned anchor cables. This was reported by CGTN, a partner of TV BRICS.

The platform is heading for the Lufeng oil fields in the South China Sea, where it will commence operations.

The platform is over 307 metres high and weighs around 8,000 tonnes – making it the world’s largest platform of its kind in terms of single-turbine capacity.

Once operational, the facility will generate around 54 million kWh of electricity annually. This output will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 35,000 tonnes per year and save around 15,000 cubic metres of diesel fuel annually.

The electricity will be transmitted to oil and gas platforms in the Lufeng area via subsea cables. This will enable some of the fuel used in oil and gas production to be replaced by wind energy.

The project integrates offshore wind power with oil and gas operations, reducing carbon dioxide emissions from offshore oil and gas operations and contributing to the development of the floating offshore wind farm industry. The initiative is designed to stimulate the growth of the maritime economy and the transition to a more environmentally friendly energy sector.