Xin Lang Cai Jing·2026-02-11 10:32Core Viewpoint - China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) is not merely diversifying into offshore wind energy but is strategically returning to its core competency in offshore engineering, leveraging decades of experience in marine operations [2][46][52]. Group 1: Company Developments - CNOOC has established two new renewable energy companies in Shanwei, Guangdong, with a total registered capital of 1.1 billion RMB [1]. - The company has previously set up a wind power company in Shanwei, expected to be operational by the end of 2025 [1][60]. - CNOOC has signed a cooperation agreement with Mingyang Smart Energy for the Honghai Bay Phase IV project, which will have a total installed capacity of 500 megawatts, utilizing 28 units of 18-megawatt wind turbines, with a total investment of approximately 5.85 billion RMB [1][31]. Group 2: Strategic Insights - The essence of offshore wind power is not just electricity generation but building a sustainable industrial system that operates for 20-30 years [4][66]. - CNOOC's core competency lies in offshore engineering, which is crucial for the success of offshore wind projects, especially in extreme conditions [5][7][49]. - The shift towards deep-water wind energy, where the majority of high-quality resources are located, requires advanced offshore engineering capabilities, which CNOOC possesses [11][75]. Group 3: Competitive Advantages - CNOOC has over 40 years of experience in offshore oil and gas operations, having constructed more than 300 offshore platforms and facilities, which can be directly applied to offshore wind projects [16][17]. - The company’s recent deployment of the "Haiyou Guo Lan" floating wind power platform demonstrates its capability to operate in challenging environments, such as 120 meters of water depth and 136 kilometers offshore [21][77]. - CNOOC's organizational structure for offshore wind development includes a three-tier system designed for long-term, scalable operations, indicating a serious commitment to this sector [22][78]. Group 4: Technological Collaboration - The partnership with Mingyang Smart Energy is not just a typical supplier relationship but a strategic alliance to lock in technological pathways for offshore wind development [26][30]. - This collaboration aims to mitigate technological risks, establish industry standards, and create ecological barriers to entry for competitors [32][88]. - The integration of CNOOC's marine resources with Mingyang's advanced turbine technology is expected to form a self-reinforcing ecosystem that enhances both cost control and technological innovation [89]. Group 5: Future Vision - CNOOC is positioning itself to create a comprehensive offshore energy system that integrates wind power, hydrogen production, and carbon capture and storage (CCUS) technologies [35][91]. - The potential for a new business model, termed the "offshore comprehensive energy island," is being explored, which could redefine energy production and consumption in marine environments [36][92]. - By leveraging its existing offshore infrastructure, CNOOC aims to transform its traditional oil and gas assets into strategic advantages in the renewable energy landscape [45].