China Unveils First Commercial Floating Offshore Photovoltaic Project

China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec), in partnership with Shandong Province and Qingdao Municipality, has launched China’s inaugural commercial floating offshore photovoltaic (PV) project in a full-seawater environment.

The project, spearheaded by Sinopec, boasts a 7.5 MW capacity spread across approximately 60,000 square meters. It is anticipated to generate 16.7 million kWh of electricity annually, leading to a reduction of 14,000 tons of CO2 emissions.

Maximizing Efficiency

Located in a sea-connected area, the project optimizes space utilization by leveraging the water surface. The design of the installation minimizes the distance between panels and the water surface, enhancing seawater cooling and boosting power generation efficiency by 5-8% compared to conventional configurations.

Innovative Solutions

To tackle the unique challenges posed by marine environments, the project incorporates various adaptations. Sinopec has engineered the floating structures and support frames to withstand salt mist corrosion and marine growth, ensuring longevity and performance.

The anchoring system is robust enough to endure high wind speeds and tidal fluctuations, resulting in a 10% reduction in investment costs compared to traditional offshore PV systems. The low-clearance layout simplifies maintenance access, enhancing safety and reducing operational expenses.

Green Energy Strategy

Sinopec’s floating PV project aligns with its broader energy strategy, which includes initiatives such as China’s first carbon-neutral hydrogen refueling station and industrial-scale seawater hydrogen production. The company aims to produce green hydrogen using solar-generated electricity.

Future Expansion

Sinopec plans to expand the current floating PV installation by adding 23 MW of capacity, further solidifying its commitment to sustainable energy generation.

Industry Collaboration

In other developments within China’s floating solar sector, GCL System Integration (GCLSI), in collaboration with Norwegian company Ocean Sun, has introduced the NT10/60GT floating PV module tailored for offshore solar applications.