China Installs World's First 20 MW Offshore Wind Turbine Off Fujian Coast

c(CTG) and Goldwind have achieved a global first by installing a groundbreaking 20 MW offshore wind turbine in the waters off southern Fujian province on January 13, 2026. This installation marks the largest single-unit capacity wind turbine ever deployed at sea, both domestically and internationally. 

Positioned over 30 kilometers from shore in waters deeper than 40 meters, the turbine sets new benchmarks for renewable energy innovation amid China's aggressive push for clean power.

Turbine Specifications and Scale

The turbine boasts a 300-meter rotor diameter with 147-meter blades, covering a swept area comparable to 10 football fields, while its hub height towers at 174 meters—equivalent to a 58-story skyscraper.

CTG announced on January 14 that the unit is projected to produce more than 80 GWh annually, sufficient to power around 44,000 average households. Its lightweight construction stands out, with the nacelle, hub, and blades totaling under 40 tonnes per MW—over 20% lighter than typical industry standards—facilitating easier offshore deployment.

Advanced intelligent monitoring further enhances reliability, incorporating multi-dimensional sensors, LiDAR integration, and blade root load detection for early warnings and autonomous operation in remote, unattended conditions. This design innovation supports safer, more efficient performance in harsh marine environments.

Research Milestone and National Backing

Developed under China's National Key Research and Development Programme for renewable energy technologies, the project earned recognition as part of the fifth batch of pioneering energy equipment by the National Energy Administration.

Guided by the NEA and Fujian Provincial Development and Reform Commission, CTG and Goldwind jointly engineered, built, and demonstrated the turbine, building on their 2023 success with the world's first 16 MW offshore unit in Pingtan waters.

Intense Industry Competition

The installation intensifies rivalry among China's top turbine makers. Mingyang Smart Energy quickly followed CTG-Goldwind's 16 MW prototype in 2023 with its own, and last year deployed a 20 MW model onshore in Hainan for testing. This rapid progression signals accelerating advancements in mega-turbine technology, positioning China at the forefront of global offshore wind capacity escalation.