China currently has a target to install 5GW of offshore wind power capacity by 2015 and 30GW by 2030.
About 1GW of near shore projects are under development in China that are having several technical and commercial hurdles in going ahead at the rate desired to meet the Government targets.
The Carbon Trust in its series of three reports has revealed that China has several challenges around the technical deployment of offshore wind farms.
The reports find that Chinese wind turbines are less reliable when compared to European European offshore wind turbines and face problems with corrosion and heat when installed off the coast.
The soft, silty soils off China’s east coast may also create problems for foundations and installation techniques used in offshore wind turbines.
The Carbon Trust notes that China lacks expertise and skills in hammering techniques as well as offshore assembly.
Al-Karim Govindji of the Carbon Trust said China’s offshore wind resource is significant and will be critical for the country to help meet its increasing energy demand through developing low carbon energy sources.
"The UK has an important role in offering its experience and learning to ensure that China’s vast resource is efficiently exploited. Innovation across a number of areas will be essential to ensure targets are met and to drive cost reduction across the whole sector," Govindji said.
Image: China currently has a target to install 5GW of offshore wind power capacity by 2015. Photo: Courtesy of Carbon Trust.
