China issues typhoon turbine standard

CHINA: China's standardisation and quality supervision authorities have issued a technical standard for onshore wind turbines in typhoon-prone areas.

The standard was formulated by a task team led by turbine manufacturer Windey. Typhoons hit China's east and southeast coastal regions every year with typical speeds of 40 m/s (144km/h).

Windey has attempted to develop turbines that could cope with extremely strong winds. Its 1.5MW, 2MW and 2.5MW models have been designed to withstand typhoons.

The standard is the first in the country and will be enforced from 1 February 2016. However, it will not be compulsory.

Speaking about the standard, a Windey spokesman said it would help manufacturers make quality, typhoon-proof wind turbines at lower cost, and reduce the risk to developers.

According to the Chinese Wind Energy Association, Windey installed 898MW of new wind capacity in 2014, giving it  a 3.87% share of the national market, and ranking it ninth on the list of major manufacturers.