MingYang Smart Energy, in collaboration with Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding Company and China State Shipbuilding Corp, unveiled the world’s first dual wind turbine floating offshore wind platform in Guangzhou, Guangdong province.
This pioneering structure, designed to operate efficiently in waters over 115 ft (35 m) deep, is equipped with two 8.3 MW turbines, providing a combined power output of 16.6 MW. Annually, it is expected to generate around 54,000 MWh, enough to power approximately 30,000 Chinese households or about 5,150 American households.
The platform, a marvel of engineering, boasts twin counter-rotating rotors mounted on a V-shaped structure, stabilized by high-tension cable stays and fitted onto a Y-shaped floating base. Each MySE16.6(T) turbine features blades with a diameter of 597 ft (182 m) and full yaw capability, designed for optimal performance. Weighing approximately 16,500 tons (15,000 tonnes), the structure utilizes “ultra-high performance concrete” to ensure durability and cost efficiency. The single-point mooring system not only enhances stability but also minimizes environmental impact, even in typhoon conditions.
Nicknamed the OceanX, this platform is engineered to withstand Category 5 hurricane conditions with winds up to 161 mph (260 km/h) and waves as high as 98 ft (30 m). Its high turbulence intensity rating of 0.135 is notable for an offshore site, considering most operate at around 0.06 to avoid power fluctuations and premature wear.
In 2020, a 1:10 scale prototype of the OceanX was built and successfully tested, proving the feasibility of the design. This innovation follows the installation of the world’s largest offshore wind turbine, the MySE 16-260, by Three Gorges Energy last year, highlighting China’s commitment to leading global offshore wind development. With its extensive coastline of about 9,010 miles (14,500 km), China aims to supply one-third of its national power consumption through renewable sources by 2025.
Despite the impressive engineering, the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCoE) for the OceanX remains undisclosed, leaving its potential impact on reducing offshore wind costs uncertain. However, the floating design is expected to lower materials, logistics, installation, and maintenance costs compared to traditional seabed-fixed turbines.