On “Pengbo”, China's largest shallow-draft floating production, storage and offloading unit, over 100 photovoltaic panels have begun generating electricity. The panels convert sunlight into nearly 90,000 kWh of green electricity annually.
The "Pengbo" solar power project is another "green energy" grid-connected power generation demonstration project, following the first mixed-flow pipeline hydroelectric project implemented at the Penglai oilfield last year. It is also China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC)'s first and so far the largest offshore building-integrated photovoltaic project in China.
Building-integrated photovoltaic technology involves incorporating solar power products as part of building structures. Unlike conventional photovoltaic systems attached to buildings, building-integrated photovoltaic modules serve both as green electricity producers and building materials.
The project allows photovoltaic modules on offshore facilities to provide functions like rain and sun protection, insulation, and noise reduction, while maximizing the use of limited space to promote the adoption of distributed green energy.
The "Pengbo" unit features six high-voltage transformers on its rooftop, powering critical equipment in processes such as low-to-medium pressure compressors and production water injection pumps. Additional solar panels were installed on the top of the unit and the D deck living area, leveraging the advantages of the building-integrated photovoltaics, such as green energy savings and efficient use of materials and space.
The project includes 147 single-crystal silicon bifacial double-glass high-efficiency modules, two inverters, and one grid-connected cabinet, covering an installation area of approximately 320 square meters. The project generates about 92,100 kWh of green electricity and reduces carbon dioxide emissions by about 81 tons per year, demonstrating significant energy-saving and emission reduction benefits.
After being put into operation, "Pengbo" will serve as a reference for future solar power projects. To date, a total area of approximately 800 square meters of solar power projects have been installed at the Penglai oilfield, generating over 470 kWh of green electricity daily.
(Executive editor: Zhu Zeya)
