Chinese new energy giant China General Nuclear Power Corporation, also known as CGN, launched its biggest offshore wind power project in Pingtan, Fujian province, this year, expecting to generate about 969 million kilowatt hours a year after it is completed in 2019.

The project involves 60 offshore wind turbines and one overland transformer substation, said Ren Yanzhong, deputy general manager of CGN Pingtan Offshore Wind Power Generation.

Once put into operation, the power generated will save about 311,000 metric tons of coal a year, he said.

Since 2007, State-owned CGN has expanded its wind power business across 29 provinces and regions.

The Pingtan project will cost 6.1 billion yuan ($930 million), its most expensive investment, according to Ren.

He said Pingtan's Dalian island, where the turbines are being constructed, is probably the ideal place to develop such an industry due to geographical factors.

"It is like a slit between islands where the wind speed accelerates," he said. "The devices in the sea can collect strong wind power easily."

"Since wind is not controllable, we can reserve the turbines when the wind falls and put them into use when needed."

The monsoon climate and broad space with no mountains or plants, also contribute to its strength, he added.

CGN has three wind power stations in operation or under construction in Fujian. It expects to launch another two this year in Zhenghe and Pingnan counties.

"Fujian has rich wind resources," he said. "We should make the most of it, although the heavy storm waves and frequent typhoons could cause some trouble from time to time."

Ren said offshore wind power will become a future trend, not only because wind is a completely clean energy but also because offshore construction saves land space.

The distance between each device is more than 300 meters, to guarantee the project will not affect the local fishing industry, Ren said.

The scenery of white windmills standing on the sea and beach has attracted many tourists, he said.

Zhang Zhaomin, Party chief of Pingtan Comprehensive Pilot Zone, said the zone expects to launch five offshore power wind projects with a gross investment of up to 2.3 billion yuan.

It will develop a complete supply chain on its base, including scientific research, manufacturing, engineering, maintenance, training and services, he said.

Ren said the local government has created a good business environment with standardized services and open minds.

"I can see a healthy industrial model is forming in this place," he said.

"The preferential polices are also appealing," he added.

Related polices also involve accommodation and export rebates, he added.

In December 2016, the New Development Bank provided loans worth up to 2 billion yuan for the second phase of the wind power project in Pinghai Bay in Putian, Fujian province.

The bank, founded by the five BRICS countries in 2014, aims to promote infrastructure construction and sustainable development in emerging and developing countries.

The green energy project in Fujian is the second in China to be financed by the bank.

"As an international multilateral financial institution, the bank provides low loan interest rates and long repayment periods," said Peng Jinguang, general manager of Fujian Investment and Development Group.

"We have faith in seizing this opportunity to make Fujian a leading engine for the domestic offshore wind power industry," he said.

chenmeiling@chinadaily.com.cn