China’s NEA calls for extra effort in offshore wind

As China has put into operation just 61 MW of offshore wind capacity since 2014, the National Energy Administration is again seeking ways to spur deployment.

China targets offshore capacity of 30 GW at the end of 2020.

Following the release of the Asian country’s offshore wind power development plan for 2014-2016, works in the sector accelerated rapidly and China saw many new projects entering their preparatory phases. Still, the actual construction of wind parks at sea progressed considerably slower, NEA said.

Only two wind farms with a combined capacity of 61 MW have been commissioned off the coast of China since the launch of the plan and through end-July 2015. During the same period, the government gave the green light to nine projects totaling 1,702 MW to enter counstruction, and approved six more of up to 1,540 MW. In addition, a number of offshore wind schemes are undergoing preparatory works, NEA noted on its website.

NEA is calling to all local governments and sector players to focus their attention on the installation of turbines at sea. In particular, it recommends the establishment of both supporting policies and power grids, as well as coordination between the maritime, environmental protection and military sectors among other ways to help the industry get back on track.

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