The world’s largest wind turbine, the Goldwind GWH252-16MW, has shattered records by generating an unprecedented amount of power in a single day.
In a groundbreaking achievement for renewable energy, the world’s largest wind turbine, the Goldwind GWH252-16MW, has shattered records by generating an unprecedented amount of power in a single day.
Located offshore in Fujian Province, China, this colossal turbine boasts an astounding 252-meter diameter, towering above the sea. On September 1st, amidst a typhoon battering southeast China, the mammoth turbine achieved a remarkable feat, producing an impressive 384.1 megawatt hours (MWh) of energy within a span of 24 hours.
This extraordinary output is sufficient to power approximately 170,000 homes, illuminate 38 million LEDs, or propel an electric car for a staggering 2.2 million kilometers. Surpassing the prior record of 364 MWh, established in Denmark in August, this achievement underscores the remarkable potential of wind energy on an unprecedented scale.
What sets the Goldwind turbine apart is its exceptional capability to operate even in typhoon conditions, a feat that eludes most conventional turbines. When faced with high-speed winds, the turbine can dynamically adjust its blades in real-time, enabling it to persistently generate power. This adaptability is a testament to the advanced engineering behind this colossal structure.
A spokesperson for Goldwind emphasized their vigilant monitoring of critical components like the main control program, pitch system, and generators, ensuring both optimal power generation and operational safety.
With a rotor boasting a diameter equivalent to around 2.5 football pitches, and blades capable of reaching speeds surpassing two-thirds of the speed of sound, the Goldwind GWH252-16MW represents a significant leap in wind turbine technology.
China, a global leader in wind power, has been at the forefront of renewable energy expansion. In 2021, the nation surpassed all others in installing offshore wind generation capacity over the previous five years. Accounting for 49% of the total global offshore wind capacity in 2022, China outpaced Europe’s 47%.
Looking ahead, China is set to embark on the construction of the world’s largest wind farm, a project of such immense scale that it could potentially power the entirety of Norway. However, it’s important to note that China’s environmental efforts are not without their challenges. Despite its strides in renewable energy, the nation continues to grapple with accelerating coal project approvals.
As China aims for one-third of its electricity to be generated from renewables by 2025, the ultimate goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060 remains a long-term target, underscoring the ongoing efforts towards a sustainable energy future.