Luxcara Clean Energy Asset Management Company, based in Hamburg (Germany), has just signed a priority turbine purchase agreement with Chinese company Mingyang Smart Energy for use at Waterkant offshore wind farm.
According to the agreement, the world's 16 most powerful offshore wind turbines with a capacity of up to 18.5 megawatt (MW) per turbine will be installed in 2028.
The giant turbine has a wingspan of 260 meters. When put into operation, Waterkant offshore wind farm will create clean electricity for about 400,000 households.
Luxcara opened an international bidding in late 2023 and stated that Mingyang's decision to select the turbine was based on "Intensive appraisal activities, including supply chains, compliance with the European Union's environmental, social, and governance standards (ESG) and cybersecurity with the support of independent experts as well as renowned international consulting organizations".
However, a German economy spokeswoman told Reuters that they will take a closer look at security and competition aspects as the German offshore wind farm uses Chinese turbines.
The spokesperson said the federal government will carefully consider the decision. On the one hand, it is related to the question of important infrastructure. On the other hand, an equal playground must be maintained in a competitive relationship.
European wind energy industry's corridor movement Wind Europe called for fair competition when facing cheaper turbines from China, and said: "Germany and the European Union (EU) must consider whether they consider wind power as a strategic area before it is too late."
Similar to the European electric vehicle industry, there are concerns that Chinese wind turbines and solar panels are priced lower than products made in Europe.
Germany aims to achieve 80% of clean electricity by 2030.
Ming Yang Smart Energy is the largest private wind turbine manufacturer in China. Last year, Ming Yang Smart Energy launched the MySE 18.X-28X and said it was the largest wind turbine on the planet.
According to New Atlas, the MySE 18.X-28X will have a sweeping area of over 66,052 m2, making it the only fan on the turbine sweeping across the sky area as large as the length of 9 football fields in the US.
The turbine will be able to cope with the most severe ocean conditions, including storms, and will produce enough energy annually to provide electricity to nearly 100,000 people.
According to Renews, the MySE 18.X-28X wind turbine has a modular design and light weight, using 3-way MPC and digital dual-digit DTC technology. This helps the world's largest wind turbine in China operate in harsh sea conditions such as a Category 17 storm with winds of over 200 km/h.
