China Power Shandong: Five Years of Offshore Wind Pioneering
From Promise to Prominence
In late 2020, the offshore wind industry faced an installation frenzy where risks eclipsed opportunities. For the Peninsula South 3 project—Shandong's first demonstration offshore wind farm—the challenges proved even more daunting than anticipated. The "Three Guarantees" mission (securing power supply, construction progress, and grid connection) became seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
To meet deadlines, teams persevered through grueling conditions: recording data in 40 °C+ substations, troubleshooting nacelles 100 meters above the ground—often surviving on just water and bread during 24-hour shifts. "Seeing stars through our makeshift shelters at night, we dreamed of our turbines lighting up the coast," recalled one worker. Through sleepless nights and unwavering grit, they achieved grid connection in just 217 days—setting China's fastest record during the installation rush.
Subsequent milestones followed:
- Dec. 2022: The Peninsula South V site became China's first project to secure approval, break ground, and achieve full operation within a single calendar year.
- Nov. 2023: The U1 Phase 1 site powered up 53 turbines in just 12 hours amid freezing temperatures—an industry record.
- Oct. 2024: The U1 Phase 2 site achieved full-capacity grid connection and delivered the final piece of China's largest subsidy-free offshore wind power base.
From the Peninsula South 3 project's debut to four major projects in four years, Shandong's offshore teams delivered a masterclass in balanced strategic growth.
Small Sparks, Lasting Impact
Workers battled brutal conditions: "Even wearing winter gear, the midnight cold cut to the bone—colleagues napped on decks during boat transfers." Nine vessels operated nonstop as crews logged 6,000+ turbine climbs, meticulously reviewing pages of checklists to ensure flawless energization. These snapshots of life at sea were but glimpses into the four-project marathon.
Over five years, Shandong Company earned 158 accolades, including 13 national honors like the National Worker Pioneer Award, National Safety & Health Cup Outstanding Team, and National Safety Culture Model Enterprise.
Charting the Next Chapter
Beyond clean energy, offshore wind power unlocked a "green economy" revolution. Since the Peninsula South 3 project's launch, the company has invested over RMB 23 million in ecological compensation—releasing 740 million juvenile fish and shellfish across six species. This boosted local fisheries by RMB 119+ million, harmonizing marine conservation with economic growth.
Shandong's 1.7 GW offshore hub—generating 7000+ GWh—now commands over half the province's wind resources. Each milestone stands as a testament to sweat and determination. As the company sets sail for its next five-year journey, it reaffirms its commitment to harness expertise and passion in writing offshore wind's next great chapter.