OMNI Features｜China's Dongfang Electric Hoists World's Biggest 26 MW Offshore Wind Turbine for Testing

Dongfang Electric Corporation (DEC) has successfully hoisted a 26 MW offshore wind turbine in Dongying, Shandong Province. The turbine, previewed last year, is among the largest worldwide and signals China's lead in pushing beyond the 20 MW threshold, a target Western manufacturers have largely abandoned.

The machine is 31% larger than 18 MW units, featuring 153-meter blades and a rotor diameter of 310 meters. With its hub more than 600 feet above sea level, each rotation generates 62 kWh. At average wind speeds, a single unit can produce up to 100 million kWh annually and withstand typhoon-level winds exceeding 115 mph.

Built from over 30,000 components, the turbine employs a third-generation semi-direct drive system integrating the shaft, gearbox, and generator. It is fully sealed against salt spray and equipped with dual cooling systems. Crucially, Dongfang stresses that the control systems and key parts are entirely domestically sourced.

While the new turbine demonstrates China's technological edge, large-scale commercialization remains pending. Past setbacks, such as Mingyang's halted 20 MW trial due to blade fractures, underscore the challenges. Still, with an estimated 40 GW of installed offshore wind capacity, China maintains a commanding lead as it eyes expansion into global markets.

Reference: The Maritime Executive