XCMG’s XGC88000 crane sets a new milestone in China’s renewable energy sector by successfully installing the world’s largest 26-megawatt offshore wind turbine in Shandong.
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| The XGC88000 crane from XCMG successfully installs the world’s largest 26-megawatt offshore wind turbine in Shandong, marking a key milestone for China’s renewable energy ambitions. Image: CH |
DONGYING, China — September 16, 2025:
XCMG Machinery has achieved a significant technological breakthrough in the renewable energy sector with the successful installation of the world’s largest offshore wind turbine using its XGC88000, a 4,000-ton crawler crane. The installation, which took place on August 29 in Shandong, China, marks a crucial step in China’s push to dominate the global offshore wind energy industry.
The turbine, a 26-megawatt powerhouse, is currently the most powerful and largest offshore wind unit worldwide. Featuring the longest rotor diameter and the highest single-unit capacity, the turbine is a marvel of modern engineering. Standing at an impressive 185 meters with a rotor sweep area spanning 77,000 square meters, this wind turbine is not just an engineering feat but a symbol of China’s commitment to green energy.
However, installing such a massive and complex structure came with its own set of challenges. The engineers had to ensure precise alignment of over 200 bolts with millimeter accuracy, while working at nearly 200 meters above the ground. Additionally, the soft tidal flat foundations and cramped workspaces added significant difficulty to the operation.
To overcome these hurdles, XCMG deployed its cutting-edge XGC88000 crane, which was used alongside innovative piling techniques and advanced foundation reinforcement. The crane successfully maneuvered the 1,000-ton nacelle into place, thanks to its integrated ground pre-leveling system and precision aerial coordination.
Once fully commissioned, the turbine is expected to generate 100 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually, enough to power 55,000 households for an entire year. This is a massive step forward in China’s renewable energy capacity and a testament to the nation’s growing capabilities in offshore wind energy.
The XGC88000 crane, often referred to as the “National Weight” by Chinese media, is a marvel in its own right. With a lifting capacity of 3,600 tons, a 216-meter boom, and a lifting torque of 88,000 ton-meters, the crane is one of the most advanced heavy-lifting machines in the world. Since its debut in 2013, it has been instrumental in over 20 major projects globally, including those in Saudi Arabia and Oman as part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative. With more than 200,000 tons lifted and 80 national patents, the crane represents a pinnacle of innovation, with three world-first technologies and six internationally recognized achievements.
XCMG’s continued focus on advancing heavy machinery and renewable energy infrastructure highlights China’s leadership in both sectors. By leveraging cutting-edge technology like the XGC88000 crane, China is not only pushing the limits of what is possible in construction and engineering but also setting a global example for sustainable energy development.
As XCMG moves forward, its innovations promise to play an essential role in the development of global green energy solutions, helping pave the way for a sustainable, low-carbon future. The success of this installation serves as both a milestone for offshore wind energy and a testament to China’s increasing dominance in the global renewable energy and construction sectors.