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Thursday, May 1, 2025

World’s largest floating wind turbine

Historic Energy Breakthrough : “Qihang,” the 20-Megawatt Floating Wind Giant spanning 7 soccer fields tested by China

In a ground breaking move towards sustainable energy, China has launched the world's largest floating wind turbine, the "Qihang," which promises to significantly reduce carbon emissions and set new standards in renewable energy technology. A new 20 MW wind turbine designed for floating applications was recently successfully hoisted in China, setting the stage for its testing phase. The state-owned company CRRC has declared this new unit the world’s largest power-class floating wind turbine, marking a significant advance in the exploration of ultra-large offshore wind turbines. Qihang can save about 25,000 tons of coal and trim 62,000 tons of carbon emissions each year. F0llowing are the some of the important points:-

China unveils the world’s largest floating wind turbine, the Qihang, marking a significant advancement in renewable energy.

With this innovation, China strengthens its position as a global leader in the offshore wind energy sector.

Overcoming logistical challenges, the turbine was successfully constructed and transported to its test location, showcasing advanced engineering.

The 20 MW turbine can save approximately 27,500 tons of coal and reduce carbon emissions by 68,500 tons annually.


Named “Qihang,” 20 MW floating offshore wind turbine was independently developed by China Railway Construction Corporation (CRRC). The unit was completed at the production facility in Sheyang, Jiangsu, in October 2024, and it set off from Sheyang Port to Guangli Port in Dongying in mid-December. As the world races towards more sustainable energy solutions, China has unveiled a monumental stride forward: the world’s largest floating wind turbine, the “Qihang.” This 20 MW turbine is a landmark in the realm of renewable energy. With the capability to save approximately 27,500 tons of coal and reduce carbon emissions by 68,500 tons annually, the Qihang is not just about power but also a testament to innovation and sustainability. It marks a significant pivot in the exploration of ultra-large offshore wind turbines, setting the stage for future energy landscapes. The construction and transportation of the Qihang turbine posed significant logistical and technical challenges. Manufactured in Sheyang, Jiangsu, in October 2024, the turbine was transported from Sheyang Port to Guangli Port in Dongying. This complex process ensured the structural integrity and safe transport to the Shandong Dongying wind equipment testing and certification innovation base. Utilizing a self-propelled modular transport unit, it was moved to the Shandong Dongying Wind Power Equipment Testing and Certification Innovation Base. On January 11, it was successfully hoisted into its testing position. This crucial step is vital for validating the wind turbine’s performance in a dynamic marine environment. Engineers overcame various obstacles to ensure the Qihang’s stability, employing advanced control technologies and typhoon-resistance strategies. These innovations guarantee exceptional stability and minimal operational sway, even in extreme weather conditions. The transport and installation process highlights the importance of modularity and component reusability in large-scale renewable energy projects. By integrating modular system interfaces and structural components, CRRC optimized the turbine’s flexibility and efficiency, paving the way for greater adaptability in future similar projects.

The scale of the new unit is immense. CRRC reports that the wind rotor’s diameter has reached 853 feet (260 meters), equivalent to the length of “seven standard football (soccer) fields” , with a hub height of 495 feet (151 meters). The turbine’s massive blades, which rotate at a tip speed aligned with that of high-speed rail, can fulfil the electricity demands of a family for 2 to 4 days with just one turn. The “Qihang” turbine exemplifies a remarkable leap in renewable energy technology. Independently developed by CRRC, this 20 MW floating offshore wind turbine stands out due to its immense scale and capacity. Its 495-foot hub further accentuates its imposing stature, making it the largest floating wind turbine globally. Beyond its size, the Qihang impresses with its performance capabilities. The massive blades rotate at a top speed comparable to high-speed trains. This underscores the turbine’s energy efficiency and its role in achieving ambitious environmental goals by conserving fossil resources and significantly cutting CO2 emissions. In comparison, other prototypes like Envision Energy’s 16.7 MW and Dongfang Electric’s 18 MW, which began testing in 2024, are outperformed by the Qihang. Even the uniquely V-shaped Mingyang Tiancheng at 16.6 MW doesn’t rival this newcomer. This technological innovation race positions China at the forefront of the offshore wind sector, reinforcing its status as a global leader.


The Qihang incorporates cutting-edge technologies which provide exceptional performance and adaptability to marine conditions. Equipped with over 200 test points covering every critical aspect of the turbine, from blades to transmission chains, towers, floaters and mooring systems, these test points collect data on three-dimensional wind conditions, waves and the floating platform’s six degrees of freedom responses, allowing for comprehensive performance analysis. These technological advancements ensure not only increased energy production efficiency but also optimized turbine maintenance. With a design focused on component reusability and modularity, the Qihang benefits from enhanced flexibility and efficiency. It can quickly adapt to technological changes and global energy market demands. The typhoon-resistant strategies implemented in the turbine’s design ensure exceptional stability, even in the most extreme weather conditions. These innovations allow the Qihang to operate optimally while minimizing risks to the environment and local infrastructure. The Qihang thus positions itself as a benchmark for future offshore wind turbines, combining technological innovation and environmental respect.


Qihang, CRRC’s 20 MW floating wind turbine, surpasses the existing largest units, Envision Energy’s 16.7 MW prototype and Dongfang Electric’s 18 MW prototype. Currently, the largest operational single-unit floating wind turbine is the 16.6 MW Mingyang Tiancheng in Guangdong, known for its unique “V” configuration and rotating foundation. The environmental impact of the Qihang is significant, reducing carbon emissions and contributing to the global energy transition. By conserving about 27,500 tons of coal annually, this wind turbine significantly cuts reliance on fossil fuels, a crucial goal in combating climate change. Additionally, the reduction of 68,500 tons of CO2 per year marks a major step towards a more sustainable future. The development of the Qihang fits into China’s broader strategy to dominate the offshore wind sector. Having already surpassed the UK as the largest installed base, China aims to extend its influence in the international market, particularly in Europe. This ambition is backed by continuous investments in research and development, with the goal of creating ever more powerful and efficient energy solutions. Moreover, the Qihang’s potential to contribute to clean energy production comes with significant economic benefits. By lowering fossil fuel import costs and creating new job opportunities in the renewable energy sector, this wind turbine represents a major asset for the Chinese economy. The Qihang thus symbolizes a step forward towards a more resilient and sustainable economic and energy model.


To further extend its lead, China’s Mingyang Wind Power is developing an even more potent 22 MW unit, anticipated to be the world’s most powerful floating wind turbine upon completion this year. This follows the installation of the world’s first 16 MW floating wind platform by China’s Mingyang Smart Energy, which has a total capacity of 16.6 MW. Internationally, Envision Energy has also made significant progress by securing a contract to supply 344.5 MW of wind turbines for the Quezon North Wind project in the Philippines, marking the largest single wind power contract in that country’s history. With the development of the Qihang, China solidifies its position as a global leader in the wind energy sector. Chinese companies, such as CRRC and Mingyang Wind Power, are poised to make their mark on the global market, particularly in Europe, where demand for renewable energy continues to grow.    Mingyang Wind Power, for example, is developing an even more powerful 22 MW unit, set to become the most powerful floating turbine worldwide. Meanwhile, Envision Energy has secured a contract to supply 344.5 MW of wind turbines for the Quezon North wind project in the Philippines, marking the largest wind contract ever recorded in the country. These successes reflect China’s ability to innovate and adapt to global market demands. By investing in research and development, the country ensures a technological edge which enables it to meet current and future energy challenges. China thus asserts itself as a key player in the global energy transition, paving the way for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.


The “Qihang” incorporates advanced control technologies and multiple typhoon-resistant strategies to ensure exceptional stability and minimal operational swing. The design emphasizes the reusability and scalability of components, enhancing flexibility and efficiency through the modular construction of key system interfaces and structural parts. The different points gather data on three-dimensional wind conditions, waves and 6-DOF (Degrees of Freedom) floating platform responses, allowing for comprehensive performance analysis. As China continues to develop increasingly powerful and sustainable energy solutions, what impact will these advancements have on the global energy balance and efforts to combat climate change? As China aims to dominate the offshore wind sector with the largest installed base. Its companies are poised to expand into the international market, particularly European projects. After completing the necessary tests and certifications, the “Qihang” prototype is scheduled for offshore installation to begin grid-connected power generation, marking a significant step toward global energy transition leadership.

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