China Three Gorges Corporation (CTG) is making impressive strides in renewable energy with the installation of the world's largest wind turbine off the southeastern coast of China. As part of the second phase of CTG's Zhangpu Liuao wind farm, the groundbreaking 16-megawatt (MW) wind turbine is set to make a significant impact on the country's clean energy production.
In an official statement released by CTG, it was announced that the wind power installation platform, named “Baihetan,” is currently being positioned to facilitate the installation of this colossal turbine. With an estimated cost of CNY 6 billion ($885 million), the project is situated southeast of the Liuao Peninsula in Fujian Province, China.
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Collaborating with Goldwind Technology, CTG has developed this impressive 16 MW wind turbine, which boasts a remarkable rotor diameter of 252 meters (827 feet). To put its size into perspective, the swept area of the turbine spans an astounding 50,000 square meters (538,195 square feet), equivalent to the area covered by seven standard football pitches. Standing tall at a hub height of 146 meters (479 feet), this turbine matches the height of a towering 50-story building.
CTG provided some remarkable statistics about the turbine's power-generating capabilities. Each revolution of the 16 MW turbine can produce a staggering 34.2 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity. Over the course of a year, it has the potential to generate more than 66 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of clean electricity. These figures highlight the immense contribution this turbine will make towards meeting China's clean energy goals.
The Zhangpu Liuao Phase 2 offshore wind farm, with a total capacity of 400 MW, is projected to generate approximately 1.6 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity annually. CTG estimates that this substantial output will result in a significant reduction of approximately 500,000 tons of standard coal consumption and a remarkable decrease of approximately 1.36 million tons in annual emissions.
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The successful installation and operation of the world's largest wind turbine serve as a testament to China's commitment to advancing renewable energy technologies. As the country continues to make significant investments in clean energy infrastructure, projects like the Zhangpu Liuao wind farm will contribute to a greener and more sustainable future.
CTG's ambitious efforts in renewable energy not only showcase their technological prowess but also pave the way for other nations to explore similar ventures. With the global need for clean energy solutions becoming increasingly critical, the successful deployment of the 16 MW wind turbine sets an inspiring precedent for the global renewable energy sector.