China has significantly increased its offshore wind energy initiatives, as this renewable energy source aligns with Beijing's objectives of achieving carbon neutrality, ensuring energy security, and enhancing the marine economy to stimulate economic growth.
In the first half of this year, China added over 4.4 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind capacity, matching the total added throughout 2024, according to a report released by the non-profit organization Global Energy Monitor (GEM).
The report indicated that the country is anticipated to add at least 9GW of offshore wind capacity this year, which represents more than half of the expected global increases. Additionally, China has another 22GW of offshore wind projects currently under construction that are expected to begin operations after 2025, as noted in the report.
"China is establishing a strong offshore wind technology sector, as its development reaches further into deep-sea locations," stated Zhang Mengqi, a GEM researcher and co-author of the report. She pointed to robust backing from the central government that combines direct financial support with a mix of strategic planning and market-driven methods.
The report was released shortly after the launch of the country's most distant offshore wind power project located off Yancheng in Jiangsu province last week, according to its developer, the state-owned China Three Gorges Corporation.
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With turbines positioned up to 85.5 kilometers offshore, this project is expected to produce over 2.6 terawatt-hours of electricity per year, which would be sufficient to power approximately 1.1 million households of three people for a year, as stated by a spokesperson.
President Xi Jinping highlighted offshore wind energy during a recent high-level economic meeting, identifying it as a crucial sector for fostering the "high-quality development" of China's marine economy.
Offshore wind power was also included in Beijing's annual government work report in March, which mentioned that the sector would contribute to job creation, energy security, and the economic development of coastal provinces.
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Although offshore wind only accounted for 9 percent of China's total wind power capacity, it is gaining momentum as coastal provinces respond to Beijing's directive to enhance the marine economy and aim for ambitious decarbonization goals, according to GEM.
Over the past five years, offshore wind development has experienced an average annual growth of 41 percent, the report stated.