China installs world's largest floating wind turbine in deep water test — it generates enough energy to power 4,200 homes annually

China Three Gorges Corp. has successfully deployed the Three Gorges Pilot, the world’s largest single-unit floating offshore wind turbine, in deep waters near Yangjiang, Guangdong province. The 16-megawatt system, mounted on a semisubmersible platform, spans 827 feet with blade tips rising over 886 feet, making it a major advancement in renewable energy technology for deep-water applications. The turbine’s design allows it to operate in waters too deep for conventional fixed-bottom foundations. It features a robust mooring system using suction anchors, high-strength polyester lines, and ballast to maintain stability, even in waves exceeding 66 feet or winds reaching 164 mph. Additional engineering improvements enhance durability and operational lifespan by absorbing wind and water forces. Assembled at Tieshan Port in southern China, the turbine was towed offshore and connected for testing. It incorporates a 66-kilovolt dynamic subsea cable with reinforced armor and high-flexibility conductors to transmit electricity while accommodating platform movement. At peak efficiency, it will generate approximately 44.65 million kilowatt-hours annually, enough to power around 4,200 homes based on U.S. Energy Information Administration data. The project builds on China’s prior advancements in floating wind technology, including a 10-megawatt turbine deployed last year by China Huaneng Group and Dongfang Electric Corp. The Three Gorges Pilot’s innovations focus on structural engineering and system resilience, positioning China as a leader in deep-water renewable energy solutions. Company representatives confirmed the installation in a May 3 statement, highlighting its potential to expand offshore wind farm development globally by unlocking deeper ocean areas previously inaccessible to traditional fixed turbines.