Chinese wind turbine manufacturer Goldwind has achieved a notable milestone by installing its massive 16-megawatt (MW) offshore wind turbine in a record-breaking 24-hour timeframe. The company, known for its GWH252-16MW turbine, had previously set a world record for electricity generation during a typhoon in September, producing 384.1 megawatt-hours in a single day, enough to power nearly 170,000 homes.
Goldwind took to LinkedIn to announce its latest accomplishment, claiming to have set a new record for the fastest installation of ultra-large-capacity offshore units. While the specifics of the installation strategy were not detailed, the company mentioned the use of preemptively optimized processes through simulations, signaling a commitment to efficiency.
#Goldwind completed the hoisting of our GWH252-16MW unit in a record-breaking 24hrs. The feat not only significantly reduced construction costs but also served as a vital breakthrough for scaling up offshore wind potential in future projects.🚀💨 pic.twitter.com/2zlHmXO8Ol
— Goldwind (@Goldwind_Global) November 23, 2023
The rapid installation process not only showcased Goldwind's ability to reduce construction costs but also marked a vital breakthrough for scaling up offshore wind potential in future projects, according to the company's statement. It remains unclear whether the newly installed 16MW offshore wind turbine is located at the Zhangpu Liuao Phase 2 offshore wind farm in southeastern Fujian Province, where the record-breaking turbine is situated. The project is developed and built by state-owned power company China Three Gorges (CTG).
The GWH252-16MW turbine boasts a rotor diameter of 252 meters (827 feet) and a swept area equivalent to seven standard football pitches (50,000 square meters or 538,195 square feet). With a hub height of 146 meters (479 feet), comparable to a 50-story building, Goldwind's achievements signal a significant advancement in the deployment of ultra-large-capacity offshore wind turbines.