This Single 7 Football-Fields Size Wind Turbine in China Can Power 36,000 Households Yearly

China has installed the world's first 18 MW wind turbine, which is a significant milestone in renewable energy. This semi-direct drive offshore wind-turbine can generate enough electricity to power approximately 36,000 households annually. The turbine was installed by Dongfang Electric Corporation (DEC), a state-owned manufacturer, at a coastal test base in Guangdong province.

The turbine's rotor diameter is an impressive 853 feet (260 meters), and it sweeps an area of over 570,000 square feet (53,000 square meters), equivalent to 7.4 standard football fields. It's expected to produce 72 GWh-hours (72 million kWh) of energy each year, which not only meets the energy demands of thousands of homes but also saves about 22,000 tonnes of coal from being burned and prevents the release of 59,000 tonnes of carbon emissions.

🆕A new 18 MW semi-direct drive offshore wind turbine, developed by #DEC, was installed at a coastal test base in Shantou, South China's Guangdong province, on June 5.

✅With a 260-m rotor diameter, the turbine has a swept area of 53,000 sq m, equivalent to 7.4 standard football… pic.twitter.com/85I9E0TpRi

— Dongfang Electric (@DongfangGlobal) June 7, 2024

This development is a part of the global shift towards phasing out fossil fuels and increasing reliance on renewable energy sources. It's interesting to note that this trend of constructing larger wind turbines is particularly prominent among Chinese manufacturers.

Dongfang Electric Corporation (DEC) is a prominent Chinese state-owned enterprise and one of the world's leading power equipment manufacturers. It was established in 1984 and is headquartered in Chengdu, Sichuan, China. It originated from the Dongfang Electric Machinery Plant, which was founded in 1958. The company specializes in developing, designing, manufacturing, and selling equipment for various types of power plants, including hydro, thermal, nuclear, wind, steam, and solar thermal-based plants. Their product range is quite extensive and includes everything from boilers to turbines and generators.

With a worldwide market share, DEC has been recognized as the second-largest manufacturer of steam turbines. The company serves customers not only in China but also internationally, reflecting its significant global footprint.

In recent years, DEC has expanded its operations and ventured into new projects. For instance, in 2024, they built a 220 MWac Samarkand solar PV plant in Uzbekistan and opened the DEC hydrogen energy industrial park in Chengdu.

Like many large corporations, DEC has faced its share of controversies. It was accused by General Electric of benefiting from a rigged tendering process for a contract awarded by South African utility giant Eskom.

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