July 1, 2025, China - China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec), in partnership with Shandong Province and Qingdao Municipality, has launched China's first commercial floating offshore photovoltaic (PV) project.
Located in Qingdao's Xihai'an New Area, the project covers 60,000 square meters with a 7.5-megawatt installed capacity. It is expected to generate nearly 10 million kilowatt-hours annually and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 8,300 tons.
The innovative design allows panels to float and move with tides, maintaining a minimal gap to the water surface. This optimizes seawater cooling, increasing energy conversion efficiency by 5-8 percent.
Special anti-corrosion floats and barnacle-resistant supports were developed to combat marine challenges. An underwater anchoring system withstands winds up to Force 13 and a 3.5-meter tidal range, reducing capital investment by approximately 10 percent.
This project is a key step in Sinopec's green hydrogen production model, utilizing PV-generated electricity. Sinopec plans to expand with a 23-megawatt floating PV project, strengthening new energy supply capacity.