World's first 20 MW offshore wind turbine installed in China

China has successfully installed the world’s first 20 megawatt (MW) offshore wind turbine off the coast of Fujian province, marking a significant advancement in renewable energy technology. The turbine, entirely developed and manufactured in China, features three blades each 147 meters long, sweeping an area equivalent to 10 football fields, with a rotor height of 174 meters above water. Installation took place 30 kilometers offshore in waters over 40 meters deep, overcoming challenges such as complex sea conditions, elevated work environments, and a narrow operational window due to the approaching typhoon season. Notably, the turbine’s design achieved a 20% reduction in weight per megawatt compared to industry averages, facilitating installation and reducing costs. Once connected to the grid, this single 20 MW turbine is expected to generate 80 million kilowatt-hours annually, enough to power approximately 40,000 households and reduce carbon emissions by 64,000 tons compared to fossil fuel generation. This milestone underscores China’s