China is making significant advancements in renewable energy, particularly in wind power, by developing innovative high-altitude airborne systems and large-scale floating offshore turbines. These developments aim to enhance energy generation efficiency and expand the reach of wind power.
Beijing SAWES Energy Technology, in collaboration with Tsinghua University, has developed the S1500, an airborne wind turbine prototype designed to operate at altitudes of 1,500 meters. This system utilizes a helium-filled aerostat to lift its generating equipment, capturing stronger and more consistent winds at higher altitudes. Energy is transmitted to the ground via a tethered cable. Previous models, the S500 and S1000, reached 500 meters in October 2024 and 1,000 meters by January 2025, respectively, demonstrating a progressive scaling of the technology. High-altitude winds are estimated to be three times faster than ground-level winds, potentially yielding up to 27 times more power generation. This technology also projects potential cost reductions of up to 40% in infrastructure and 30% in operational expenses.
In parallel, China Huaneng Group and Dongfang Electric Corp. have introduced a 17MW floating wind turbine prototype. This massive turbine features a 262-meter blade diameter and a 152-meter hub height, engineered to withstand extreme offshore conditions, including waves over 24 meters and typhoon-force winds. Annually, this turbine can generate approximately 68 million kilowatt-hours of electricity, enough to power around 6,300 U.S. households. The development of such large floating turbines is crucial for accessing deep-water wind resources, which represent about 80% of the world's offshore wind potential and are inaccessible to traditional fixed-bottom foundations.
These floating platforms, anchored to the seabed, offer enhanced stability and can operate in deeper waters, expanding the viable areas for wind energy capture. The commercialization of floating wind technology is expected to drive significant growth in the offshore wind sector globally. The advancements in both high-altitude and floating wind technologies underscore China's commitment to leading the next generation of renewable energy infrastructure and influencing global energy markets.