What’s new: China created the world’s largest wind farm in operation by single-unit capacity after switching on a massive turbine on Wednesday, underscoring the country’s position as the global leader in wind power generation.
The machine, which is the world’s first 16-megawatt offshore wind turbine, is located in a wind farm off the coast of eastern Fujian province, according to operator China Three Gorges Renewables Group Co. Ltd. (600905.SH) in a statement.
With blades stretching as long as 123 meters, it would only need to spin one full circle to generate enough power to keep a family of three running for a week, Zhang Long, general manager at China Three Gorges Renewables, told China’s state broadcaster CCTV in a recent talk show.
The wind turbine can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 54,000 tons annually, the company said in its statement.
The background: China is on track to almost double its wind and solar capacity by 2025 and outpace the country’s clean power target five years early, according to a June report by Global Energy Monitor.
China’s solar power capacity has grown 150 times from its 2012 level and wind power capacity has jump sixfold over the past decade, Wang Zhongying, director of the Energy Research Institute at the National Development and Reform Commission, said Monday.
Also this week, U.S. Climate Envoy John Kerry held his first major climate talks with Chinese officials in almost a year. His Chinese counterpart Xie Zhenhua said the country is seeking “substantial” dialogue on climate and the green transition, which could improve bilateral relations.
Related: Gallery: Life at an Offshore Wind Farm
Contact reporter Kelsey Cheng (kelseycheng@caixin.com) and editor Jonathan Breen (jonathanbreen@caixin.com)
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