A 16 Mw wind turbine is already operational
A 16 MW wind turbine is already in operation in China, and it is the largest in the world. The turbine, which is called the Mingyang 16 MW, was installed at the Mingyang Qingzhou 4 offshore wind farm in the South China Sea. It has a height of 152 meters, and each of the 3 blades measures 123 meters and weighs 53 tons. The turbine can generate up to 16 MW of electricity, which is enough to power some 36,000 homes.
The commissioning of the Mingyang 16 MW turbine is a major milestone for the offshore wind industry. The turbine is the first of its kind in the world, and demonstrates that offshore wind turbines can become ever larger and more efficient. The commissioning of the turbine is also an important step for China, which has committed to increasing its offshore wind capacity to 100 GW by 2030.
Offshore wind power is a renewable and sustainable energy source that has the potential to play an important role in the energy transition. Offshore wind emits no greenhouse gas emissions, and can help reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Offshore wind power is also a reliable source of energy, as it can generate electricity regardless of the weather, as the wind at sea is stronger and much more constant than on land.
As I said before, at sea the wind is more constant than on land, and where this turbine has been placed, the average winds throughout the year exceed 32 km/h, and during 300 days a year the winds are of Level 6 and exceed 40 km/h.
For these reasons, new offshore wind farms are installed every day around the world. They are more expensive, but they are more efficient and more profitable in the long run. And something important to consider is that with 100 turbines like this one, almost as much energy is generated as with a nuclear power plant.
The commissioning of the 16 MW Mingyang turbine is a sign of the growing potential of offshore wind power. Offshore wind turbines are becoming ever larger and more efficient, and have the potential to provide an important source of clean and reliable electricity. Offshore wind is an important part of the energy transition, and can help reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
On the other hand, without making much noise, China has taken the lead in this technology, and they are already working on an 18 Mw wind turbine. And although some have not found out, last year in China more patents were registered than in the US. Something to take into account.
It is not surprising that both countries “fight” to be at the forefront of technological development, because that is also POWER.
