China has begun full operation of a 1-GW offshore floating solar power plant (HG14) off the coast of Dongying City, Shandong Province.
This project, which is considered the world’s first gigawatt-scale offshore solar power plant, is the largest open-sea floating solar power plant.
This massive complex includes more than 2.3 million double-sided solar panels and thousands of platforms anchored with fixed steel structures, installed in shallow waters about 8 kilometers off the coast.
Its design is resistant to strong tidal waves, powerful winds, and seasonal freezing.
Taking advantage of the cooler sea air and the reflection of light from the water surface has increased the efficiency of the panels, and the use of 66 kV submarine cable and reduced steel consumption have lowered costs.
The power plant will generate about 1.78 terawatt hours of electricity annually, which will provide the electricity needed by more than 2.6 million people.
