China has taken another step towards its renewable energy goals with the unveiling of a new wind turbine capable of powering tens of thousands of homes by itself. This latest installment highlights China’s ongoing dominance in the renewable energy sector.
China’s new wind turbine boasts an energy output approximately 36 times greater than the industry average, making it the largest turbine ever built in terms of power rating. The turbine’s blades measure over 850 feet, and when in motion, they cover an area equivalent to more than seven football fields.
China’s influence over the world’s wind power is already well-established. The country accounts for more than half of total global wind power capacity and has ranked first worldwide for four consecutive years. The addition of this 18-megawatt turbine is expected to further solidify China’s position at the forefront of the wind energy sector.
However, competition may be on the horizon. Siemens Energy is currently developing a massive wind turbine that aims to surpass the power output of China’s latest project. This endeavor received a $30 million investment from the European Union last year, with the German energy company’s goal being to create the world’s most powerful wind turbine prototype.
The EU’s investment is part of a broader strategy to enhance the competitiveness of its domestic manufacturers against China’s dominance in the wind energy market. Chinese wind turbines are sometimes offered in Europe for up to half the price of locally-made products.
By building larger single turbines instead of expansive wind farms, European energy companies may find a more cost-efficient solution to meet their energy needs.
