Floating wind power unit put into operation

The world's first 16-megawatt tension-leg platform (TLP) floating wind power unit, "Haiyou Anlan", officially commenced operations on Thursday, according to its operator China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC).

Connected to the Lufeng Oilfield grid via a 4.3-kilometer subsea cable, the platform supplies green electricity directly to the offshore oilfield. It sets global records for the deepest operating water depth, furthest offshore distance, and largest single-unit capacity for any TLP floating wind platform.

The successful deployment marks a significant leap for China's deep-sea wind equipment. TLP platforms are widely considered the most technically challenging floating wind structures, and the "Haiyou Anlan" breaks through high international patent barriers to establish a new technical pathway for the country.

To manage wind power volatility, CNOOC pioneered a coordinated multi-energy system combining offshore wind, conventional fuel generation, and energy storage.

This integration enables a high proportion of green energy in the oilfield's grid, replacing oil-generated electricity to curb fossil fuel consumption and carbon emissions, while providing a scalable "oil and gas plus new energy" model for high-quality marine energy development.

zhengxin@chinadaily.com.cn