Sinopec Pioneers China's First Offshore Floating PV Project Boosting Green Energy Efforts
Sinopec Unveils China's First Commercial Floating Offshore PV Project
In a significant step toward sustainable energy, China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation, commonly known as Sinopec, has successfully launched the country's first commercial floating offshore photovoltaic (PV) project. This initiative, announced on July 4, 2025, showcases innovative green technology aimed at boosting renewable energy production and reducing carbon emissions.
Collaborating with Shandong Province and the Qingdao Municipality, Sinopec has developed this floating PV project, strategically situated in a full-seawater environment. The project is designed to generate a staggering 16.7 million kilowatt-hours of clean electricity each year, contributing to a reduction of carbon emissions by approximately 14,000 tons.
Pioneering Sustainable Solutions
What makes this project particularly noteworthy is its integration with a previously established pile-based floating PV project, marking Sinopec’s largest floating PV power station to date. The floating photovoltaic system covers an area of about 60,000 square meters with an installed capacity of 7.5 megawatts. This innovative setup utilizes the surface of seawater to optimize spatial efficiency, minimizing environmental impacts while enhancing energy generation capabilities.
Sinopec's engineers have devised a zero-emission design that couples efficiency with cost-effectiveness. By synchronizing the photovoltaic panels with tidal elevations, the project significantly reduces the distance between the panels and the water's surface. This innovative structure improves seawater cooling, enhancing power generation efficiency by 5-8% compared to traditional systems.
Ingenious Innovations to Tackle Challenges
Navigating the complexities of applying PV technology in seawater conditions involved overcoming numerous challenges. Sinopec implemented three key innovations:
1. Durable Design: The system features specially engineered floats and supports designed to resist the corrosive effects of salt mist and barnacle growth, ensuring longevity and reliability.
2. Robust Anchoring System: An underwater anchoring system capable of withstanding wind speeds of up to level 13 has been developed. This system accommodates tidal variations of 3.5 meters and has reduced investment costs by approximately 10% compared to traditional pile-based PV systems.
3. Enhanced Maintenance Accessibility: Maintenance has been streamlined through a carefully designed inspection pathway that allows easy access to PV panels and cables situated close to the water surface, improving safety and significantly lowering operational costs.
Expanding the Vision for Green Energy
Sinopec’s pioneering work in renewable energy isn’t limited to floating photovoltaics. The company has already established China's first carbon-neutral hydrogen refueling station and launched the first industrial-scale hydrogen production project utilizing seawater. The floating PV project represents a crucial link in Sinopec’s new energy supply chain, envisioned to produce green hydrogen powered by clean electricity generated from this innovative solar technology.
Looking ahead, Sinopec is committed to expanding its endeavors in renewable energy. Plans are underway for a new 23-megawatt floating PV project aimed at further reinforcing the company's capacity to supply green energy solutions.
This groundbreaking initiative not only places Sinopec at the forefront of China’s renewable energy landscape but also positions the country as a leader in advancing offshore green technology. As the world increasingly moves toward sustainable development, Sinopec’s floating offshore PV project is a beacon of innovation and a significant stride towards a greener future, highlighting the importance of collaboration in addressing environmental challenges.