China has taken offshore wind energy to unprecedented heights with the launch of Qihang, a wind turbine so massive that France’s 231-meter-tall Tour First skyscraper could fit between its blades—with room to spare. This technological marvel not only cements China’s position as a global leader in renewable energy, but also raises questions about Europe’s ability to keep pace in the race for clean energy dominance.
A Wind Turbine of Unprecedented Scale
China continues to push the boundaries of green technology, and its latest achievement in offshore wind power is nothing short of staggering. Developed by CRRC Corporation, a company more commonly associated with high-speed rail than wind energy, Qihang represents a major leap forward in wind turbine design.
Standing 151 meters tall, this floating offshore turbine boasts a record-breaking rotor diameter of 260 meters—far surpassing the 110 to 150-meter rotors typically seen in onshore wind farms across Europe. The sheer size of Qihang allows it to generate power on a scale comparable to traditional power plants, marking a game-changing moment for offshore wind energy.
With a 20 MW capacity, Qihang outperforms China’s previous largest turbines, including the 16.6 MW and 18 MW models deployed in 2024 by Envision Energy and Dongfang Electric. For comparison, France’s largest offshore wind turbines currently operate at around 8 MW, while its most powerful onshore model—the Haliade-X by General Electric—maxes out at 12 MW with a 220-meter rotor diameter. But even this impressive feat is already being overshadowed: Mingyang Wind Power has announced plans for an even more powerful 22 MW turbine, once again raising the bar for offshore wind technology.
More Than Just Raw Power
Qihang is not just about size and power—its modular design allows for greater flexibility, making it adaptable to various floating platforms and anchoring systems. Equipped with over 200 sensors spread across its blades, structural components, transmission systems, floaters, and mooring lines, this turbine offers real-time monitoring to ensure optimal performance and durability.
Designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, including typhoons, Qihang is engineered for long-term deployment in deep-sea locations where wind speeds are stronger and more consistent. The turbine is expected to produce up to 62 GWh of electricity annually, enough to power 37,000 households—an output that could theoretically supply an entire mid-sized city in France.
The first Qihang unit was assembled at CRRC’s Sheyang facility before being transported via self-propelled modular barges to Guangli Port in Shandong Province. Following rigorous testing and certification, it will soon be deployed in deep waters, where it will be connected to China’s power grid.
China’s Rapid Rise in Offshore Wind Energy
The commissioning of Qihang is yet another milestone in China’s meteoric rise as the world’s leading offshore wind power producer. Having overtaken the UK in installed offshore capacity, China is now exploring floating wind turbine technology—a field that allows for energy production farther from shore, where winds are more reliable and powerful and visual impact on coastal landscapes is minimized.
With 18,000 km of coastline, China possesses immense potential for offshore wind energy expansion. According to the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), China’s offshore wind capacity reached 30.89 GW in 2023, accounting for over 40% of the global total.
What About Europe?
China’s advancements in offshore wind technology cast a harsh spotlight on Europe’s slower progress, particularly in France, where offshore wind development has faced bureaucratic hurdles and local opposition. Despite its ambitious renewable energy targets, France’s offshore wind capacity stood at just 2.4 GW in 2023, falling far short of its goal of 6.2 GW by 2028.
With 11,000 km of coastline, France holds the second-largest offshore wind potential in Europe, trailing only the UK. However, regulatory obstacles and public resistance have delayed projects, preventing the country from fully leveraging its natural wind resources.
The contrast with China’s rapid and large-scale implementation is striking. While France has recently launched a 10 GW offshore wind tender for completion by 2030, achieving this goal will require streamlining administrative processes, boosting public support, and investing in cutting-edge innovation.
A Wake-Up Call for the Future
Qihang is more than just a technological breakthrough—it symbolizes China’s determination to dominate the future of renewable energy. As the world moves toward a greener, more sustainable future, this latest advancement serves as a wake-up call for Europe and the rest of the world.
If countries like France want to remain competitive in the clean energy sector, they must accelerate investment in offshore wind, cut bureaucratic red tape, and foster a culture of innovation. With global energy independence and climate goals at stake, the time for hesitation is over—the world must rise to the challenge, or risk being left behind.