GWH252-16MW

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.

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

Globalwindatlas

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

Offshorewindpower

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.

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

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Windpower

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.”

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.

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.

Mingyang

The longestwind turbineblade

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.

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.

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.

Mrigakshi Dixit Mrigakshi is a science journalist who enjoys writing about space exploration, biology, and technological innovations. Her work has been featured in well-known publications including Nature India, Supercluster, The Weather Channel and Astronomy magazine. If you have pitches in mind, please do not hesitate to email her.