China sets new record with massive floating wind turbine VIDEO

China has taken a significant leap forward in renewable energy with the launch of Qihang, the world’s largest floating wind turbine.

This 20 MW behemoth not only represents a marvel of engineering but also signals a transformative step in the global shift toward sustainable energy. With its unprecedented size and performance, Qihang is setting new standards and drawing global attention, including from the United States, Caliber.Az reports per Glass Almanac.

Developed by China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC), Qihang features an enormous rotor diameter of 853 feet—comparable to the length of seven football fields—and towers 495 feet above the ocean surface. This makes it the largest floating wind turbine in the world and a breakthrough in offshore wind technology.

But Qihang’s impact extends beyond its dimensions. Its massive blades rotate at speeds similar to high-speed trains, with each revolution capable of powering a household for two to four days. This efficiency translates into significant reductions in carbon emissions and less reliance on fossil fuels.

When compared to other turbines such as Envision Energy’s 16.7 MW model and Dongfang Electric’s 18 MW design, Qihang stands out with superior capacity and scale, reinforcing China’s leading role in offshore wind energy.

The project’s construction posed numerous challenges. After being assembled in Sheyang, Jiangsu, Qihang was carefully transported by sea on a self-propelled modular unit to the Shandong Dongying testing base. Engineers then evaluated its stability under harsh marine conditions, including severe weather and complex ocean currents. Advanced control systems and typhoon-resistant features have proven the turbine’s remarkable resilience.

Environmentally, Qihang offers impressive benefits, saving about 27,500 tons of coal annually and cutting carbon emissions by 68,500 tons. Economically, it reduces fuel import costs and creates green jobs, benefiting both China and the global economy.

With offshore wind capacity already surpassing that of the UK, China’s leadership is further solidified. Chinese companies like CRCC and Mingyang Wind Power are expanding into Europe and beyond, meeting rising renewable energy demands.

Looking ahead, Mingyang Wind Power is developing a 22 MW turbine, poised to be the most powerful floating turbine globally, while Envision Energy is set to deliver a record 344.5 MW for the Philippines’ largest wind project.

China’s investment in R&D is maintaining its technological edge, helping shape the global clean energy transition. The Qihang turbine is more than a technological achievement—it’s a beacon of a greener, more sustainable energy future, positioning China as a pivotal player in the fight against climate change and the future of global energy production.

By Naila Huseynova