China launches first large-scale offshore photovoltaic project

CGN Yantai Zhaoyuan comprises 121 PV sub-arrays.

China has successfully energised its 400-megawatt (MW) CGN Yantai Zhaoyuan, the country’s first large-scale, pile-fixed deep-water offshore photovoltaic project located in the Laizhou Bay area.

CGN Yantai Zhaoyuan consists of 121 photovoltaic sub-arrays and spans around 6.44 square kilometres. Its alternating current-side rated capacity is 400 MW, with a direct current-side installation capacity of 539.3274 MW.

The project uses Grand Sunergy's Seapower Series 210-132 double-sided, double-glass high-efficiency heterojunction (HJT) solar modules.

Offshore photovoltaics face unique challenges due to harsh marine conditions, Grand Sunerg said. To address these, the company has developed specialised modules for offshore applications.

The Seapower Series HJT solar modules feature advanced materials and processes for enhanced resistance to harsh marine environments, including salt spray, corrosion, ultraviolet radiation, and wind load, Grand Sunergy said.