Rudong North

Location

The Rudong North offshore wind farm is located off the coast of Rudong County, Jiangsu Province, in the East China Sea. It is situated in an intertidal area, approximately 3 to 8 kilometers away from the shore, where the water level varies significantly with the tides, being dry at low tide and covered by up to five meters of water at high tide.

Capacity and Phases

The entire Jiangsu Rudong Offshore Wind Farm has a total capacity of 150 MW, divided into two phases:

• Phase I: 100 MW
• Phase II: 50 MW

The portion equipped with Siemens turbines is part of the 100 MW Phase I.

Turbines

• Model: Siemens wind turbines
• Number: 21 turbines
• Rated Power: Each turbine is rated at 2.38 MW
• Rotor Diameter: 101 meters
• Foundations: The Siemens turbines are grounded on multi-jacket foundations.

Construction

• Approval: The project was approved by the National Development and Reform Commission of China in December 2010.
• Construction Start: Construction began in June 2011.
• Completion: The 100 MW Phase I was completed by the end of 2011.
• Grid Connection: Grid connection for all turbines was completed in September 2012.

Construction Methodology

The construction was carried out using specialized equipment, including a barge with a 360-degree slewing lifting system and S-800 hydraulic hammers. The barge was moved during tide rising time and stopped for installation after the tide fell. The turbine foundations were initially built using a multiple-pipe pile solution but later shifted to a more efficient single-pipe pile driving technology.

Environmental Impact

The wind farm is designed to reduce carbon emissions significantly. It is estimated to generate about 375 million kWh of electricity per year, reduce 247,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions, and save 97,000 tons of standard coal annually.

Significance

The Rudong North offshore wind farm, including the Siemens turbines, is a significant project showcasing China's capabilities in offshore wind power technology. It serves as a model for future nationwide wind power development across the Chinese Sea.

This project highlights the technological advancements and efficient construction methods employed in offshore wind farm development, particularly in challenging intertidal zones.