Core Viewpoint - The China General Nuclear Power Group's Yantai Zhaoyuan 400 MW offshore photovoltaic project has successfully achieved full-capacity grid-connected power generation, marking a significant milestone in China's offshore solar energy development [3][4][6]. Project Overview - The project consists of 760,000 offshore photovoltaic modules and has a total sea area of 512.7 hectares, which is 25 times the area of the National Stadium (Bird's Nest) [4][5]. - It is the first fully grid-connected pile foundation offshore photovoltaic project in China, utilizing domestically developed bifacial double-glass photovoltaic modules [3][4]. Energy Production and Environmental Impact - The project is expected to generate an average annual power output of 694 million kWh, sufficient to meet the electricity needs of approximately 400,000 households [4][5]. - The annual power generation can reduce coal consumption by about 208,700 tons and cut carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 535,800 tons, equivalent to afforestation of 1,562 hectares [5]. Technical Innovations - The project employs a nearshore pile foundation structure, which is more resilient to typhoons and ocean currents compared to floating structures, making it suitable for complex marine environments [5][6]. - It has developed innovative technologies, including a large-span bolt-ball steel grid and spiral tapered steel pipe piles, enhancing the stability and load-bearing capacity of the photovoltaic support structures [12][13]. Construction Challenges and Solutions - The project faced significant construction challenges due to deep water conditions (8.5 to 11 meters) and harsh marine environments, including high winds and tidal influences [11][15]. - To address these challenges, the project team implemented a construction method that combines land assembly and offshore installation, significantly improving efficiency and safety [16]. Industry Implications - The successful implementation of this project contributes to the establishment of a complete set of construction processes for offshore photovoltaic projects, which can be replicated in similar future projects [16][17]. - The project aligns with China's dual carbon goals and is expected to drive the development of offshore photovoltaic energy as a key component of the energy transition in coastal provinces [9][20].

Core Viewpoint - The Yantai Zhaoyuan 400 MW offshore photovoltaic project by China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN) has successfully connected to the grid, marking a significant milestone as China's first fixed foundation offshore solar project [1][3]. Project Overview - The project is located in the Laizhou Bay area of Yantai, Shandong Province, covering a total sea area of 512.7 hectares and connecting to a 220 kV land booster station via 16 sets of 35 kV collection lines [1][3]. - Construction began on December 26, 2023, in water depths ranging from 8.5 to 11 meters [3]. Environmental Impact - The project is expected to generate an average annual power output of 694 million kWh, which will reduce standard coal consumption by approximately 208,700 tons and cut carbon dioxide emissions by about 535,800 tons, equivalent to afforestation of 1,562 hectares [3][4]. Technological Innovations - The project team has developed three major innovative applications in photovoltaic module research, support unit technology design, and offshore piling [3]. - CGN has collaborated to create the first domestically adapted monocrystalline silicon heterojunction bifacial double-glass modules for marine environments, achieving a photoelectric conversion efficiency of 22.86% [3]. - The project consists of 121 generating units, each made up of 6 to 8 photovoltaic support units, utilizing a pioneering "large-span bolt ball steel grid + spiral tapered steel pipe pile" technology to create a "super support" for photovoltaic systems [3][4]. Construction Techniques - The project has developed high-precision synchronous positioning techniques for pile foundation construction and built the "Electric Construction Marine Equipment No. 001," which is the first intelligent and efficient piling equipment for offshore photovoltaic projects in the country [4]. Regional Significance - The successful grid connection of the Yantai Zhaoyuan 400 MW offshore photovoltaic project is expected to significantly promote the transformation and upgrading of the regional energy structure, contributing to the establishment of a diverse and complementary energy supply system and supporting the development of a modern marine economy [4].