China’s new 1-gigawatt offshore solar farm combines innovative marine technology with clean energy production, powering 2.6 million homes while showcasing the future of ocean-based solar power.
China’s state-owned CHN Energy has connected its first batch of photovoltaic units to the grid from its new offshore solar farm in the Yellow Sea. The one-gigawatt facility, situated eight kilometres off the eastern coast of Dongying City, represents the largest open-sea solar installation globally and establishes a new template for marine-based renewable energy projects.
The solar farm, developed by CHN Energy’s subsidiary Guohua Energy Investment Co., occupies 1,223 hectares of ocean surface. On reaching total operational capacity, the facility will generate 1.78 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually to power 2.67 million urban households while preventing 1.34 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
The installation features advanced marine engineering, utilising large-scale offshore steel truss platforms secured by fixed pile foundations. The platforms are designed specifically for open-sea conditions, and support the extensive array of photovoltaic panels while ensuring structural stability in the maritime environment.
The project’s power transmission system marks another technical milestone, implementing China’s first 66-kilovolt offshore-to-onshore cable configuration for high-capacity, long-distance transmission in the photovoltaic sector. This infrastructure development paves the way for future offshore renewable energy projects.
According to a company statement, the solar farm’s annual output translates to significant environmental gains, with projected savings of 503,800 tons of standard coal. These metrics align with China’s broader carbon reduction targets and demonstrate the scalability of offshore solar technology.
Maximising ocean space: the dual-use approach
The project introduces an innovative dual-use model, integrating fish farming operations beneath the solar arrays. The approach maximises the economic potential of the ocean space while maintaining its ecological function. The combination of aquaculture and energy generation could serve as a blueprint for future maritime infrastructure projects.
On technical specifications and infrastructure, according to CHN Energy, teach platform measures 35 meters in width, and the facility employs a 66-kilovolt offshore cable paired with an onshore cable for high-capacity, long-distance transmission – the first such implementation in China’s PV sector.
Impact on global renewable energy development
This installation demonstrates the viability of large-scale offshore solar projects. Key advantages include:
- Efficient use of available ocean space,
- Natural cooling effects from seawater, potentially improving panel efficiency,
- Reduced land-use pressure on coastal regions,
- Strategic positioning near population centres,
- Integration opportunities with existing maritime industries.
Overall, the project provides valuable data for the renewable energy sector, particularly regarding marine-based solar installations’ performance and maintenance requirements. Its successful implementation offers insights for coastal regions worldwide facing similar energy and land-use challenges.
The facility’s operational data will help inform technical standards and best practices for future marine solar installations. These insights could accelerate the adoption of offshore solar technology in other regions, particularly in countries with extensive coastlines and growing energy demands.
