World's largest 20MW offshore wind turbine

September 01, 2024

China’s coastal region Hainan has welcomed the world’s largest single-capacity offshore wind turbine called MySE 18.X-20 MW. Hainan is China’s southernmost province, which borders the South China Sea.

Wind turbine manufacturer, Mingyang Smart Energy, installed this 20MW clean energy source on August 28. 

Mingyang’s turbine has been carefully designed to thrive in medium-to-high wind speeds and built to withstand the fury of typhoons. Interestingly, it has the ability to withstand strong winds of 79.8 m/s. 

Massive turbine designed to withstand typhoons

With a flexible power rating range from 18. X to 20 MW, this facility is a powerhouse of renewable energy.

The unit has a modular, lightweight design. This massive nacelle houses the turbine’s generator, gearbox, and other critical components.

Clean energy race heating up

As the world transitions away from fossil fuels, solar and wind energy has become increasingly important in meeting global power needs.

Wind turbines are a crucial component of the renewable energy mix, providing a steady stream of power even when the sun is not shining.

For this reason, the competition to build larger and more powerful offshore wind turbines is heating up.

For instance, Dongfang Electric made a significant contribution to the offshore wind industry in June by installing its 18 MW semi-direct dive turbine. Reportedly, it has a rotor diameter of 853 feet (260 meters), and will be capable of generating 72 million kWh of electricity per year.

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But Mingyang isn’t stopping there. An even larger turbine is in the works at Mingyang, with a planned power output of 22 MW. It is expected to have a diameter of over 1,000 feet and the prototype could be ready by 2025.

These massive turbines are possible to make, thanks to lightweight carbon fiber technology. 

The company’s OceanX, the world’s largest single-capacity floating wind platform, is also making waves. The floating platform is currently making its way from Guangzhou to the Qingzhou IV wind farm. This dual-turbine V-shaped platform has a generation capacity of 16.6 MW, featuring two MySE8.3-180 hybrid drive wind turbines.

Interestingly, the turbine has a rotor diameter spanning from 260 to 292 meters (853 to 958 feet). Reportedly, this covers “a maximum swept area equivalent to nine soccer fields.”

Moreover, the turbine can generate 80 million kWh annually at an average wind speed of 8.5 m/s. 

Every year, this turbine will help to protect the environment by reducing 66,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide gas emissions and help power 96,000 households.

The turbine’s modular, lightweight design is optimized for efficient transportation, installation, and operation. Reportedly, the massive turbine is also suited for deep ocean placement.

It is designed to withstand the harshest of conditions.

Interesting Engineering reported that the company claims that the turbine is outfitted with “active anti-typhoon technology” that will allow it to even endure Category 17 typhoon conditions. This could benefit China as it is prone to typhoons.