In the Spotlight: Why Is Iraeta Dubbed the “Offshore Wind Turbine Prototype Flange Specialist”?

Before a new product enters full-scale production, a physical prototype is typically built to validate design feasibility, assembly fit, and manufacturability. Offshore wind-power equipment involves a complex system—from factory handover to grid connection—encompassing R&D, prototype trials, small-batch testing, and mass manufacturing. Building prototypes is an indispensable step to ensure smooth ramp-up and operation readiness.

Prototype manufacturing often employs cutting-edge technologies, directly showcasing a company’s technical prowess and production capacity. With over 20 years in wind-flange manufacturing, Iraeta has produced prototype flanges for nearly 20 turbine models—broadly categorized into large-megawatt classes and floating-platform designs.

Driven by policy support and technological advances, offshore wind power has surged. Strong wind resources, limited sea-area availability, and the drive for cost-competitive electricity have pushed developers toward larger-capacity turbines. Nearly all major Chinese offshore-turbine OEMs now operate “10 MW+” models. Iraeta works closely with multiple OEMs, delivering standout performance in prototype flange manufacturing for 10 MW+ giant turbines worldwide.

Since the world’s first floating offshore wind prototype went into operation in 2009, floating turbines have been validated through multiple prototypes and pilot farms. Unlike fixed-bottom nearshore units, floating platforms can reliably tap high-quality deep-sea wind resources. Often called the “Pearl of Offshore Wind,” floating turbines represent the primary technology path for deep-sea wind development.

China’s first floating offshore wind demonstration projects include the Three Gorges Yangjiang, Longyuan Nanri Island, and China Huaneng Zhanjiang pilots. Iraeta has supplied flange prototypes for two of these: in 2021, the Yangjiang platform—China’s first floating wind farm to connect to the grid—used Iraeta-made Mingyang 5.5 MW tower flanges; later, the Zhanjiang project used China Huaneng’s 5.95 MW prototype flanges from Iraeta.

Supplied China Huaneng’s 5.95 MW Floating Prototype Flanges for the Zhanjiang Demonstration Project

In July this year, Iraeta again undertook the production of prototype flanges for the Mingyang 7.25 MW unit, to be used in China’s first “double-century” deep-sea floating-tower project (over 100 m depth, over 100 km offshore). This project will break domestic deep-sea development barriers, laying a solid foundation for large-scale deep-sea wind power.

为Provided Mingyang’s 7.25 MW Tower Flanges for the Deep-Sea Floating-Tower Project

By manufacturing prototypes, Iraeta has built up technical advantages and continuously driven innovation, achieving excellence both in floating and large-megawatt prototypes. This reflects the company’s decades-long commitment to strengthening its wind-power capabilities. Going forward, Iraeta will continue to support the energy-transition roadmap, providing robust equipment solutions for the global offshore-wind sector and China’s “30·60” carbon-peak and neutrality goals.