On November 16, 2024, Sany, a Chinese equipment manufacturer, introduced the SI-270150, the world's largest onshore wind turbine, with a rated power of 15 MW. This innovative development is set to redefine the capabilities of onshore wind energy.
The SI-270150, installed in Tongyu, Jilin Province, features a rotor diameter of 885 feet (270 meters) and blades extending 430 feet (131 meters). Each rotation covers an area exceeding 616,000 square feet (57,256 square meters), translating to the size of a football field. The turbine can generate 56 million kWh annually, sufficient to power approximately 160,000 households.
Sany has integrated advanced features into the turbine to enhance performance and reliability. Its lightweight design minimizes load stress, facilitating the transportation of its extensive blades. A dual tapered roller bearing (TRB) main support shaft improves load-bearing capacity and stability, enabling the turbine to operate effectively in varying environmental conditions.
Designed for medium to high wind speeds, the SI-270150 aims to maximize energy generation efficiency. Following its commissioning, the turbine will undergo a year-long testing phase, including nearly 2,000 performance evaluations to ensure its reliability.
Additionally, another prototype is undergoing accelerated aging tests at Sany's 35 MW testing facility, which is the largest of its kind. This testing will validate the turbine's design for a 30-year operational lifespan.
Sany's milestone underscores China's emergence as a leader in renewable energy technology, highlighting its commitment to sustainable development and carbon reduction goals.