In an effort to meet its goal of carbon-neutrality by 2060, China is building one of the largest wind farms in the country off the northeast coast of Zhejiang province. The Tuci wind power project, developed by China General Nuclear Power Corporation (CGN), will include WindStar transformers and high-voltage hybrid switchgear Plug and Switch System (PASS) from Hitachi Energy’s OceaniQ portfolio.

The Tuci wind farm supports an installed capacity of 280 megawatts from 35 wind turbines, each operating at 8 MW, more than the typical 5 MW. Each turbine houses 66 kilovolt WindStar power transformers and PASS M00-Wind 72.5 kV high-voltage hybrid switchgears. The farm transports power to the onshore booster station via a 66 kV submarine cable, integrating renewable energy directly into the grid. A similar solution was deployed in a wind farm in the Yangtze River Delta, China’s first 66 kV offshore wind farm. 

A Mighty Wind

Hitachi’s OceaniQ solutions are designed specifically for offshore deployments. The equipment can fit within the narrow space of a wind turbine and can withstand strong vibrations, corrosion, and saltwater spray. The WindStar transformers are eco-friendly and fire safe by using biodegradable ester fluids as insulation. 

The hybrid PASS switches have an integrated digital motor drive and an intelligent local control cabinet to enable easy integration with substation automation systems. They also feature built-in intelligence to support continuous monitoring and diagnostics, enabling real-time simulations, better life cycle management, and remote service capabilities. The PASS M00-Wind hybrid switches are the first to support 66 k kilovolt transmission to the collection grid, nearly double the conventional rate of 35 kV. 

Shoring Up the Market

Escalating demand for renewable energy is driving manufacturers to increase generation capabilities, which are expected to reach 20 MW by 2030. China has nearly doubled its wind energy in the past four years, and today wind power accounts for about 14 percent of China’s total power capacity.

Globally, China is a leader in offshore wind power, operating nearly half (48.4 percent) of the installed offshore wind turbine capacity worldwide—and more than double the UK (21.9 percent), the second largest operator. With corporate and government mandates to reduce carbon emissions and increase reliance of renewable energy, the market will continue to grow. Revenue from the global offshore wind market is projected to increase from $31.8 billion in 2021 to 56.8 billion in 2026, at a healthy 12.3 percent CAGR.

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Image credit: Hitachi Energy