In the midst of a powerful typhoon off China’s southeast coast, a 12-megawatt wind turbine stands firm, harnessing the ferocious winds to generate clean energy. This remarkable feat is not just a vision of the future but a reality engineered by Mingyang Smart Energy Group Co., Ltd., a leading new energy company headquartered in Zhongshan City, Guangdong Province.
In the company’s state-of-the-art laboratory, researchers simulate typhoon conditions to test and refine their wind turbine designs. “Achieving typhoon-resistant wind power is akin to a ‘moon-landing’ challenge, requiring us to overcome formidable technical barriers,” said Zhang Chuanwei, chairman of Mingyang Smart Energy.
Drawing from extensive data collected in typhoon zones, the research and development team analyzed wind speeds, directions, and turbulence. “We’ve integrated these insights into our turbine designs to ensure they not only withstand typhoons but also maximize energy production during such events,” Zhang explained.
By 2023, over 2,000 smart wind turbines manufactured by Mingyang were operational in China’s typhoon-prone regions. When super typhoon Saola struck Guangdong Province last year, the company’s offshore wind turbine in Zhuhai City endured winds surpassing magnitude 17, continuing to operate without interruption.
Beyond typhoons, Mingyang is innovating solutions to harness wind energy under extreme conditions across China. In the mountainous Guizhou Province, they have developed segmented fan blades to adapt to the terrain. In the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, specialized models are designed to withstand sandstorms.
China’s commitment to achieving carbon peak by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060 underscores the pivotal role of science and technology in sustainable development. Companies like Mingyang exemplify this effort, leveraging advanced technologies to propel clean energy initiatives.
In Fuyuan County, Yunnan Province, digitalization and artificial intelligence are revolutionizing wind farm operations. Yunnan International Power Investment Co., Ltd. uses sophisticated control systems with 3D simulations and real-time data analytics to monitor and maintain 135 wind turbines remotely. “Automated systems now issue alerts for potential issues,” said Peng Yiheng, a staff member at the wind farm. “This transformation has significantly improved efficiency and reliability.”
Over the past decade, China’s energy consumption per unit of GDP and carbon dioxide emissions have decreased by 26.2 percent and 34.4 percent, respectively, according to the National Development and Reform Commission. The country’s installed capacities for wind power, photovoltaic power, and hydropower rank first globally, marking significant progress in green development.
Building on these achievements, the Chinese government continues to introduce measures encouraging industries to transition to green and low-carbon operations. Experts anticipate a technological revolution marked by decarbonization and major scientific innovations.
“With breakthroughs in big data and AI technology, China will fully unleash the potential of green development and continue to create miracles in green growth,” said Zhang Yongsheng, head of the Research Institute for Eco-civilization at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.
“China is a significant force in promoting renewable energy,” added Zhang Jian, vice president of the Institute of Climate Change and Sustainable Development at Tsinghua University. “With its technological, cost, and scale advantages, China is well-positioned to lead global efforts in combating climate change and advancing energy transformation.”
Reference(s):
Chinese enterprises explore sci-tech innovations for clean energy
cgtn.com
