HG14, built with panels fixed to the seabed, stands out as an offshore solar energy facility developed by China Energy Investments with a total capacity of 1 GW. Located approximately 8 kilometers off the coast, the project operates in shallow waters with the depth of the seabed varying between 1 and 4 meters. This location marks a challenging site from an engineering perspective; The fixed pile design, which combats wind, wave and tidal effects, offers high resistance to environmental conditions and thus becomes a key reference point in field applications of offshore PV technologies.
HG14 is not only China’s first gigawatt-scale fixed-pile offshore PV plant, but also the first offshore solar power plant approved under the National three-dimensional marine tenure right. The total investment amount of the project was announced as approximately 8.1 billion yuan (about 1.2 billion dollars), indicating an integrated production lines combining the durability of components and infrastructure capacity.
The power plant consists of 2,934 steel PV platforms, each measuring 60 × 35 meters, and these platforms are fixed to the seabed with a total of 11,736 steel piles. The fixed pile structure offers high resistance to wind, wave and tidal effects and seasonal sea ice seen on the northern coasts; This addresses the engineering challenges of offshore solar projects with a site-specific engineering score.
For the first time, there are more than 2.3 million solar panels, and these panels are mounted at an inclination of 15 degrees. There are a total of 2,934 710 W n-type double-faced photovoltaic modules, and an increase in efficiency in terms of production capacity is targeted to be between 5% and 15% compared to similar systems on land. This innovative approach increases the overall energy production by increasing the efficiency of the modules in the offshore environment.
Electricity production is transmitted to a 220 kV substation via undersea 66 kV cables and onshore lines. The 100 MW / 200 MWh capacity energy storage system integrated into the project increases grid stability and energy dispatch flexibility. This infrastructure is expected to increase capacity by approximately 20% and reduce unit costs by 15%. The storage system strengthens energy supply security and increases the share of renewable energy by balancing intraday production fluctuations.
The targets of the project include an annual production capacity of approximately 1.78 TWh and it is aimed to meet approximately 60% of the electricity needs of Kenli district. While this figure plays a critical role in meeting the energy demand of the region, it serves as an important example of reducing dependence on fossil fuels. In addition, the project anticipates saving approximately 1.34 million tons of CO₂ and more than 500 thousand tons of coal every year; In this way, a significant decrease in carbon emissions is aimed.
Another innovation that further strengthens the environmental and economic impact of HG14 is the adoption of the “solar panel on top, aquaculture at the bottom” approach. This strategy, which enables the dual-purpose use of marine areas, stands out as a model that reduces waste areas, protects biodiversity and increases economic efficiency. Thus, an application that establishes the balance between energy production and ecosystem values is demonstrated.
Innovative Features of HG14 and Technological Solutions Applied in the Field
The engineering solutions on record focus on addressing the challenges faced by offshore PV projects. First of all, the fixed pile frame offers a safe foundation in shallow waters where the depth varies between 1 and 4 meters. This design maintains structural integrity by effectively dissipating wave loads and wind pressure. The distances between platforms have been optimized to facilitate maintenance and cleaning operations.
Bifacial PV modules stand out as weather-resistant solutions that reduce dust and dirt accumulation in the offshore environment. The 710 W capacity product is designed to compete with similar land-based systems in terms of efficiency and aims to increase efficiency between 5% and 15%. Moreover, the durability of the module design is strengthened with materials resistant to salt water and intensely humid weather conditions.
Energy storage solutions balance the fluctuating production character of solar energy. A storage system with a capacity of 100 MW / 200 MWh adds flexibility to the grid, increases security of supply and makes the energy flow sustainable even at night and during low light periods. Effective use of the storage system minimizes production fluctuations, making it easier to reach total annual production targets.
Transmission infrastructure is a critical element that ensures the safe transfer of production. While submarine cables transmit 66 kV, the onshore substation reduces losses in energy transmission lines by increasing it to 220 kV. This infrastructure reduces energy losses and transmission costs, while also laying the foundation for scalable growth.
The focus on environmental and social sustainability shows that the HG14 project supports not only energy production but also regional development. Reducing the carbon footprint of production, increasing local employment and strengthening regional energy security increases the economic and social value of the project. Additionally, the idea of aquaculture at the bottom with solar panels on top brings together environmental and economic benefits, drawing attention to the multi-purpose use of marine areas.
Future implications demonstrate HG14’s scaling potential and capacity to shape the offshore solar market. The 1 GW capacity not only strengthens energy security on the coastline, but also serves as an indicator for similar projects around the world. China’s experience in such projects contributes to the global energy transformation and proves the applicability of renewable energy technologies without suspension.
As a result, the HG14 project is more than just a power generation facility, it sets new standards in engineering, environmental sustainability and economic impact. With a production target of 1.78 TWh/year and a potential to meet local demand of close to 60%, HG14 concretely proves the scalability of offshore PV technologies. This project stands out as a striking example of how to operate a system integrated with energy storage solutions, as well as a massive power station installed on the seabed. Light emerging from the depths of the sea is proving to be a transformative force in meeting energy needs on land and is poised to play a key role in the energy portfolio of the future.
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