China sets new record by installing the world’s largest wind turbine

By Anders Lorenzen

China continues to set renewable energy records and has once again reaffirmed its commitment to the sector. In a groundbreaking move, China installed the largest wind turbine ever erected, solidifying its position as a global leader in the renewable energy sector. The achievement marks another milestone in the country’s effort to be a clean energy leader. 

The facts behind the turbine

The record-breaking turbine is located in the city of Rudong, along the coastal region of Jiangsu Province, stands at a staggering height of over 280 meters and boasts a rotor diameter of 230 meters, this colossal structure has the capability to generate a whopping 16 megawatts (MW) of electricity. Every time it completes a full revolution, it sweeps about 50,000 sq m of air (that’s seven-odd soccer fields in the internationally accepted layman’s units), and sends up to 34.2 kWh of energy into the Chinese power system. Annually, it’s expected to contribute about 66 gigawatt-hours.

The turbine is part of the 400 MW Zhangpu Liuao wind farm and will once complete be able to provide electricity for over 36,000 households.

It is developed and manufactured by the Shanghai Electric Group and Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy and incorporates cutting-edge engineering techniques and advanced materials to ensure operational efficiency and maximize power output. The integration of larger rotors and higher towers enables the turbine to harness more energy from wind, and thus greater efficiency.

It seems China’s philosophy is that bigger is better and they’re already preparing to launch an even bigger turbine with a generating capacity of 18 MW.

While many people in Europe and the US attack China for its emission footprint, the country’s investments in clean energy have been unparalleled and they’re a global clean energy leader with no country in the world able to match their fast installation rate.