The first pile foundation for Shandong Energy Group's Bozhong offshore wind power project was sunk recently, marking the official launch of Shandong's first affordable offshore wind power project.

Wind turbines are seen at Qingdao Port, a subsidiary of Shandong Port Group, in Shandong province. [Photo/CHINA DAILY]

The project is scheduled to be connected to the grid by the end of this year. It will generate 1.7 billion kWh of electricity annually, replace 510,000 tons of standard coal and reduce 1.33 million tons of carbon dioxide.

This project will be another breakthrough in Shandong's offshore wind power development after the first batch of demonstration projects were started, connected to the grid and put into operation last year.

Shandong has been ramping up efforts to cultivate the high-end wind power equipment industry to support the large-scale development and construction of offshore wind power.

In areas adjacent to offshore wind fields and where port conditions are favorable, large-scale offshore wind power equipment manufacturing projects such as complete machines, blades and towers will be introduced to accelerate the formation of industrial clusters.

It will introduce a batch of leading enterprises from home and abroad to form a sound industrial ecosystem with coordinated development, and build a complete industrial chain for offshore wind power equipment.