China Begins 1.8 GW Offshore Photovoltaic (PV) Project in the Bohai Sea

Continuing to diversify its renewable energy sources, China is expanding its offshore solar farms. A 1.8 GW offshore photovoltaic (PV) facility is now being built in the Bohai Sea.

Having become a leader in renewable energy with significant advancements, China is now expanding its offshore wind and solar power plants. Aiming to increase its offshore solar capacity to nearly 100 GW within the next five years, China is launching another remarkable project to achieve this goal. The construction of a 1.8 GW offshore photovoltaic (PV) plant in the Changli region of China will be one of the country’s largest ventures in marine-based photovoltaic projects to date.

China to Test Different Technologies and Approaches at New Offshore PV Facility

Managed by four major state-owned energy companies (Huadian, Guodian, Guohua Investment, and China Power Construction), this project will also serve as a testing ground for China. Spanning approximately 17 square kilometers, the Changli facility is divided into four separate sections, each adopting a different approach. Each section of the facility is designed to test a unique design and technological approach for offshore solar energy. The 500 MW section led by Huadian will use fixed-mount structures, while a similar-sized Guodian project will utilize N-type TOPCon panels and 110 kV collection lines. The 500 MW section built by Guohua will use high-efficiency 620 Wp panels and 300 kW string inverters. The smaller 300 MW China Power Construction project will be located in deeper waters than the others and will be built on fixed pile foundations.

The primary reason for testing different technical solutions in the same location is China’s desire to quickly increase its experience in this field. Since offshore PV is a newly developing sector, it is crucial to determine which installation methods are more durable, efficient, and cost-effective in the long run. In this respect, the Changli facility will be highly important for China, not only for its large scale but also for its function as a test bed. All sub-projects will be connected to their respective booster stations via subsea cables and then transferred to the regional Qin Hai Guang station. The section managed by Huadian will use horizontal directional drilling, one of the most innovative engineering solutions China has ever attempted in the offshore PV field.

Horizontal directional drilling is a method that allows cables to be laid underground at a certain angle without excavating the seabed directly. This technique not only causes less harm to the ecosystem but also ensures that the cables are laid more securely and durably, providing better protection over long distances and in rocky or high-current areas. This offers a significant advantage for offshore solar and wind projects.

Since construction began in early 2025, 240 steel pile foundations have been installed so far. Work is expected to accelerate in the coming period with the laying of subsea cables and the commissioning of equipment. When it reaches full capacity, the facility is projected to generate 2.75 TWh of electricity annually. This amount could meet approximately half of Qinhuangdao’s electricity needs. Additionally, it is expected to prevent the consumption of 840,000 tons of coal and reduce 2.16 million tons of carbon emissions per year.

You Might Also Like;

• We Selected 10 Series Similar to Stranger Things for Those Who Love It
• Where and How is Silver Used in Electric Vehicles?
• Hyundai Unveils Its Multi-Purpose Wheeled Robot