#China #Qingdao #Green Energy #Sinopec #Offshore PV

Sinopec Launches China's First Floating Offshore PV Project

China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation, known as Sinopec, has made a landmark move in renewable energy by launching China’s first floating offshore photovoltaic (PV) project. Collaborating with the provincial government of Shandong and the municipal authority of Qingdao, this innovative project has been successfully commissioned in a full-water environment. This floating initiative comes in addition to an already operational pilot PV project supported by piles, establishing itself as the largest floating solar power facility by Sinopec to date.

Project Overview

The recently inaugurated floating PV plant is set to generate an impressive 16.7 million kilowatt-hours of green electricity annually. More significantly, it is aimed at reducing carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 14,000 tons per year. This pioneering initiative intends to promote floating solar projects within coastal and shallow water regions, capitalizing on the advantages provided by full-water environments.

Innovative Design Features

The floating solar installation operates in maritime waters, efficiently utilizing the sea surface to maximize spatial effectiveness. Spanning approximately 60,000 square meters with an installed capacity of 7.5 megawatts, this facility boasts a design that is both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. A notable feature is the ability of the photovoltaic modules to adjust with tidal movements, effectively reducing the gap between the module surfaces and the water level to about 10% of conventional pile-mounted installations. This unique structure not only enhances cooling from seawater but also increases power generation efficiency by 5-8% due to the cooling effect.

Addressing Challenges in Maritime PV Applications

In realizing this ambitious project, Sinopec has tackled several challenges associated with PV technology in marine environments through three essential innovations:
1. Durable Design: The use of specially developed floats and supports that resist salt mist corrosion and barnacle growth to ensure longevity.
2. Robust Anchoring System: An underwater anchoring system that withstands wind speeds of up to scale 13 while accommodating tidal variations of 3.5 meters, reducing investment costs compared to traditional pile-mounted PV systems by approximately 10%.
3. Enhanced Maintenance Access: An optimized inspection pathway for PV panels and cables placed close to the water's surface, significantly improving safety and lowering operational and maintenance costs compared to standard systems.

Contribution to Hydrogen Production

This project marks another significant step towards Sinopec's goals surrounding clean energy, following their establishment of the first carbon-neutral hydrogen filling station in China and the inaugural industrial hydrogen production initiative using seawater. The floating PV plant serves as a key component in the company's new energy ecosystem, presenting a model for producing green hydrogen using solar energy.

Looking ahead, Sinopec is planning to expand its capacity with a 23-megawatt floating solar project, further strengthening its position in the renewable energy landscape.

The launch of this floating offshore photovoltaic project signifies a pivotal moment for Sinopec as it sets the stage for innovative green energy solutions that may redefine the future of energy production in marine environments.



Company Logo: