Latest development status of offshore wind power in China—The perspective of developers

Abstract

In recent years, Chinese wind power has progressed rapidly, such that most accessible high quality, onshore sites are either operational or at least in some stage of development. Thus, offshore wind power has become the new industry focus. This paper reviews the development of China's offshore wind power and its current status. All aspects of preliminary planning, design, approval, construction, O&M, and electricity pricing policy are discussed from a developer's perspective. Data and key points are introduced, based on current engineering practices. European developments are reviewed briefly to help assess similar problems and issues in China. This study suggests that China's relative lack of experience must be recognized. Nevertheless, the development of this nascent technology is already underway. V C 2014 AIP Publishing LLC. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4900555] I. OVERVIEW OF THE OFFSHORE WIND POWER DEVELOPMENTS IN CHINAIn recent years, Chinese wind power has progressed rapidly, such that most accessible high quality, onshore sites are either operational or at least in some stage of development. By the end of 2013, China's installed wind power capacity exceeds 91.4 GW, which is 28.7% of the world's total, 75.2% of all Europe. Thus, offshore wind power has become the new industry focus. The optimistic estimation of China's potential offshore wind energy is 500 GW, which is 40% of China's all electricity generating capacity installed in 2013. However, the actual development situation of China's offshore wind is not so inspiring.China launched its first offshore wind power trial in 2005, thereby gaining valuable experience with importing technologies, launching pilot projects, implementing plans, concession bidding, setting examples, and establishing standardized systems. 1 Thus, by the end of 2013, China's installed offshore wind power capacity stood 5th in the world at 388 MW or 5.7% of the world's total (mainly in Europe). 2 Yet, compared to nations more advanced in this technology such as England and Denmark, China's offshore effort remains at a potential choke point between the trial phase and full commercial scale development. This appears to be due to limited resources, construction complexity, a late start, and insufficient domestic experience and technology.Compared with onshore wind power's rapid development in China, offshore wind power obviously lags. The physical environment required for suitable offshore wind power is quite constrained, and the requirements for equipment, construction, and supporting facilities are clearly higher than those for onshore development. Thus, investment has exceeded projected budget in several instances, due to design changes, even in England, the most experienced country in this field. China's National Energy Administration (NEA) efforts in launching trials, demonstrations, and concession bidding for offshore wind power have yet to achieve results a)