China has achieved a renewable energy milestone with the full grid connection of its first gigawatt-level offshore photovoltaic project off Shandong Province's coast. Spanning 1,200 hectares in the Kenli District waters, this engineering feat features 2,934 solar platforms each larger than five basketball courts combined.
Pioneering Technology Meets Maritime Challenges
The project by Guohua Energy Investment introduces groundbreaking 66-kilovolt submarine cable transmission systems, enabling cost-effective power delivery to shore. Zhang Bo, deputy project manager, highlighted the innovative steel truss design: "Our four-pile foundation withstands extreme weather while cutting material costs by 10% – a blueprint for future offshore solar development."
Powering Regional Growth
When operational in 2025, the installation will generate 1.78 billion kWh annually – sufficient to cover 60% of Kenli District's electricity needs. This development strengthens energy security in eastern China while supporting national carbon neutrality targets.
Strategic Energy Transition
As the Chinese mainland accelerates its renewable energy expansion, this project demonstrates scalable solutions for maritime solar deployment. The technical breakthroughs achieved here are expected to influence offshore PV projects across Asia's coastal regions.
