China is poised to install its first 10MW offshore wind turbine – and the most powerful seen in Asia to date – after its foundation was completed off Fujian Province.
Contractor CCCC Third Harbor Engineering earlier this week reported completion of “the foundation of the largest turbine, a 10MW unit” at the Xinghua Bay Phase 2 project, referring to the nation’s first double-digit prototype launched four months ago by Dongfang Electric (DEC) and China Three Gorges (CTG), Recharge understands.
Completion of the 18-metre-diameter foundation provides “solid ground for the turbine’s installation work in the next stage”, the contractor added.
The installation and performance of the first prototype could have a decisive impact on DEC’s future position in the Chinese offshore wind sector. The firm previously had only a limited presence in the market, with a single 5MW machine introduced in 2017 and just two major orders so far.
Both those deals are courtesy of CTG — 60MW for Xinghua Bay Phase 2 project and 100MW for the Zhangpu Liuao Zone D wind farm.
It has now emerged that the Xingha Bay order includes the single 10MW prototype, with the remainder 5MW machines.
Once in place, DEC’s 10W turbine will be the most powerful installed at sea in the Asia Pacific region, with Ming Yang Smart Energy’s (MYSE’s) 7.25MW machine currently the largest.
Shanghai Electric erected an 8MW prototype early this month, but that installation is onshore at the firm’s Shantou-based industrial park in Guangdong province.
Goldwind and MYSE last year also unveiled larger machines — 8MW and an “8-10MW platform” turbine respectively. Construction of Goldwind’s is ongoing at Xinghua Bay Phase 2, not far from DEC’s turbines, with MYSE expected to put up its prototype at a wind farm off Yangjiang.
CSIC Haizhuang has delivered its own 10MW turbine design, but a prototype may only emerge later this year, Recharge previously reported.
DEC has claimed its product offers transformational economics compared to the 7-8MW machines. Using a 10MW turbine could cut 25%-30% from the scope of offshore sites, lowering build costs by 800-1,400 yuan/kW, the company says.
