World's first gigawatt-scale offshore solar power project starts operation

The world's first gigawatt-scale offshore solar power project was successfully connected to the grid and has begun power generation on Wednesday, its operator CHN Energy Investment Group (CHN Energy) said.

Located eight kilometers offshore from Dongying of Shandong, the project marks a significant milestone for both China and the global offshore solar industry, it said.

The one gigawatt project uses cutting-edge steel truss platform technology to install 2,934 solar platforms. It is the first of its kind in the world to implement large-scale fixed pile foundation construction for offshore solar installations.

Upon full operation, the project is expected to generate 1.78 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, equivalent to saving 503,800 metric tons of standard coal and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by more than 1.34 million tons per year.

In addition, the project employs a "fishing-solar integration" model, combining aquaculture with solar power generation in a dual-use approach to maximize land and water space. This integrated development is expected to boost annual revenues from fisheries while providing clean energy, the company said.