Cool Start for Offshore Wind Energy in China

Wind power has been deemed the most practical way for China to reduce its fossil fuel consumption. And offshore wind farms, despite higher technological thresholds and greater risks than onshore systems, have been especially attractive because they can be built near power-hungry coastal cities.

Nevertheless, the National Energy Administration (NEA) and the National Reform and Development Commission (NDRC) have been unusually cool toward offshore wind in recent weeks – even as auctions for major projects gear up in coastal areas.

NEA's director of New Energy and Renewable Energy, Wang Jun, said at an international offshore wind power industry conference June 7 that project costs are high, technical capacity is weak and construction experience is limited. He also said industry management as well as standardization practices in China are insufficient.