China’s Offshore Wind Energy Expansion: A Major Shift in Renewable Development
China is making significant strides in its offshore wind energy sector, positioning itself as a global leader in renewable energy development. This rapid growth aligns with the country’s broader goals of achieving carbon neutrality, enhancing energy security, and fostering the marine economy to drive economic growth.
According to a recent report by the non-profit Global Energy Monitor (GEM), China added over 4.4 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind capacity in the first half of the year. This figure matches the total amount it added throughout the entire year of 2024. The report highlights that China is on track to add at least 9GW of offshore wind capacity this year, which represents more than half of the projected global additions for the same period. Additionally, there are 22GW of offshore wind projects currently under construction, which could come online beyond 2025.
Zhang Mengqi, a GEM researcher and co-author of the report, emphasized that China is developing a strong offshore wind technology industry. She noted that the country is pushing its development boundaries further into deep-sea areas, supported by robust government policies. These policies include direct financial subsidies, top-level planning, and market-based approaches to foster innovation and growth in the sector.
A key milestone in this expansion is the completion of China’s farthest offshore wind power project, located off Yancheng in Jiangsu Province. Developed by the state-owned China Three Gorges Corporation, this project features turbines situated up to 85.5km offshore. It is expected to generate over 2.6 terawatt-hours of electricity annually—enough to power around 1.1 million three-person households each year.
President Xi Jinping highlighted the importance of offshore wind energy during a high-level economic meeting, calling it a crucial sector for advancing the “high-quality development” of China’s marine economy. The sector was also included in Beijing’s annual government work report in March, where it was identified as a key driver for job creation, energy security, and the economic development of coastal provinces.
Although offshore wind currently accounts for only 9% of China’s total wind power capacity, it is gaining momentum. Coastal provinces have been following Beijing’s directives to boost the marine economy and pursue ambitious decarbonization targets. Over the past five years, offshore wind development has grown at an average rate of 41% annually, according to GEM.
Jiangsu and Guangdong provinces have emerged as leaders in offshore wind energy, with installed capacities of 12.6GW and 11.4GW respectively. Together, these two provinces account for 55% of the country’s total offshore wind capacity.
State-owned enterprises such as China Three Gorges, along with wind-turbine producers like Goldwind, Mingyang, and Envision, have played a central role in developing offshore projects. According to S&P Global, offshore wind could become one of China’s most affordable renewable energy sources by 2050.
Zhang Mengqi noted that China has long been a global leader in building wind and solar infrastructure, so the increase in offshore capacity is not surprising. However, what stands out is the potential for offshore wind to significantly reduce emissions from fossil fuels and support a clean energy transition in coastal industrial regions.
As part of its broader renewable energy strategy, China is constructing 510GW of utility-scale solar and wind capacity, marking a 57% increase compared to the previous year. The country aims to peak carbon emissions by 2030, as outlined in GEM’s report.
Currently, China has 1.3 terawatts of utility-scale solar and wind capacity either planned or under construction. This capacity could generate more electricity than Japan consumed in all of 2023, underscoring the scale of China’s renewable energy ambitions.
The continued expansion of offshore wind energy reflects China’s commitment to a sustainable future, driven by both government policy and private sector innovation. As the country advances its offshore wind projects, it is setting a new benchmark for global renewable energy development.