Sinopec has launched China's first commercial floating offshore photovoltaic (PV) project in a full-seawater environment, marking a significant step in green energy innovation.
China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec) has made a monumental stride in green energy innovation with the successful commencement of operations for China's first commercial floating offshore photovoltaic (PV) project. Located in Qingdao, Shandong Province, this groundbreaking initiative is set to redefine renewable energy generation in full-seawater environments.
The newly operational project, a collaborative effort with Shandong Province and Qingdao Municipality, represents a significant expansion of Sinopec's green energy portfolio. Integrated with a previously established pile-based floating PV project, this combined endeavor now stands as Sinopec's largest floating PV power station. Its annual output is projected to be 16.7 million kilowatt-hours of green electricity, contributing to a substantial reduction of 14,000 tons in carbon emissions.
Strategically situated in a sea-connected water area, the floating PV station exemplifies optimal space efficiency by utilizing the vast seawater surface. Spanning approximately 60,000 square meters, the facility boasts an installed capacity of 7.5 megawatts. Its design prioritizes a zero-emission, high-efficiency, and low-cost operational model. A key innovation is its unique structure, which allows photovoltaic panels to synchronize with tidal elevations. This design significantly reduces the distance between the panels and the water surface to about one-tenth of that in traditional pile-based structures, thereby optimizing seawater cooling. This cooling effect is crucial, as it enhances power generation efficiency by an impressive 5-8%.
The company overcame several technical hurdles through three core innovations:
Firstly, a Durable Design was implemented, featuring specially engineered floats and supports. These components are meticulously designed to resist the corrosive effects of salt mist and inhibit barnacle growth, ensuring the longevity and operational integrity of the entire system in a marine setting.
Secondly, a Robust Anchoring System was developed. This sophisticated underwater anchoring system is engineered to withstand extreme weather conditions, including wind speeds of up to level 13, and effectively accommodate tidal variations of up to 3.5 meters. This innovative anchoring solution also offers significant economic benefits, reducing investment costs by approximately 10% compared to conventional pile-based PV systems.
Lastly, Sinopec focused on Enhanced Maintenance Accessibility. The project incorporates a streamlined inspection pathway for PV panels and cables, positioned conveniently close to the water's surface. This design dramatically improves safety for maintenance personnel and considerably lowers the operating and maintenance costs associated with conventional systems, making the entire operation more efficient and sustainable.
This pioneering floating offshore PV project is not an isolated initiative but a critical component of Sinopec's broader new energy strategy. The company has already established the country's first "carbon-neutral" hydrogen refueling station and the first industrial-scale seawater hydrogen production project.
