Top 7 China Tidal Energy Companies 2025
China has the world largest tidal energy resource along its 18,000 km coastline. The country operates tidal power stations at Jiangxia (3.9 MW) and has deployed multiple tidal current turbine prototypes. In 2025, China tidal energy sector is moving from demonstration to early commercialization, with several 1MW+ tidal current turbine projects in the East China Sea and Bohai Sea.
TL;DR: China operates Asia largest tidal power station at Jiangxia (3.9 MW) and is developing MW-scale tidal current turbines. The sector is transitioning from demonstration to early commercialization with multiple coastal test sites.
Top Companies
SDD (哈尔滨电气)
Tidal turbine developerSDD developed and deployed a 1MW horizontal-axis tidal current turbine at Zhoushan test site. The turbine achieved 30%+ efficiency in real sea conditions and has operated for 2000+ hours, demonstrating commercial viability of Chinese tidal technology.
Zhejiang University
Tidal research leaderZJU Ocean Engineering College leads tidal energy R&D including turbine blade design, mooring systems, and environmental impact assessment. The university operates the Zhoushan tidal energy test site and has published 200+ papers on tidal current energy technology.
Guodian Longyuan
Ocean energy investmentLongyuan Power, a CGN subsidiary, invests in ocean energy including tidal and wave power demonstration projects. The company operates the Jiangxia tidal power station and is developing new tidal current projects in Zhejiang province.
Blue Ocean Energy
Wave energy converterBlue Ocean Energy develops wave energy converters for Chinese coastal waters. Its oscillating water column devices have been tested at multiple sites with peak power output of 100kW and average capture width ratio of 30%+.
Harbin Engineering University
Vertical axis turbineHEU developed a 200kW vertical-axis tidal current turbine deployed in the Bohai Strait. The turbine design avoids yaw mechanism requirements and achieves efficient power generation across varying tidal current directions.
Zhejiang Damao
Tidal barrage technologyZhejiang Damao specializes in tidal barrage and sluice gate technology for tidal power stations. The company supplied equipment for the Jiangxia tidal station and designs new generation barrage systems with improved fish passage and sediment management.
Shandong Haiyuan
Offshore energy platformShandong Haiyuan develops integrated offshore energy platforms combining tidal, wave and wind power. The company multi-energy offshore platform concept has received government funding for a 10MW demonstration project in the Yellow Sea.
Comparison Table
| Company | Technology | Capacity | Location | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SDD | Horizontal turbine | 1MW | Zhoushan | Operational |
| ZJU | R&D+test site | Multiple | Zhoushan | Research |
| Longyuan | Tidal barrage | 3.9MW | Jiangxia | Operational |
| Blue Ocean | Wave converter | 100kW | Multiple | Demonstration |
| HEU | Vertical turbine | 200kW | Bohai | Tested |
| Damao | Barrage tech | N/A | Zhejiang | Supplier |
| Haiyuan | Multi-energy | 10MW planned | Yellow Sea | Development |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is China tidal energy potential?
China theoretical tidal energy potential exceeds 100 GW, with technical exploitable capacity estimated at 15-20 GW along the Zhejiang and Fujian coastlines. Tidal current energy alone could supply 10+ GW. However, actual installed capacity remains small at under 10 MW, as the industry needs further cost reduction and reliability improvement before large-scale deployment.
How does tidal energy compare to wind and solar in cost?
Tidal energy LCOE is currently 2-3x higher than onshore wind and solar PV at RMB 1.5-2.5/kWh versus RMB 0.3-0.5/kWh for wind/solar. However, tidal energy has the advantage of being highly predictable (unlike wind/solar) and concentrated energy density. Cost reduction to RMB 0.8-1.2/kWh is targeted by 2030 through technology scaling and serial production.
What environmental concerns exist with tidal energy?
Tidal energy environmental concerns include potential impact on marine ecosystems, fish migration disruption, sediment transport changes, and underwater noise. Chinese research institutions have conducted extensive environmental impact studies for tidal projects, finding that properly designed tidal current turbines (compared to barrages) have minimal ecological impact. Fish-friendly turbine designs are being developed to address remaining concerns.
How does China's tidal energy capacity compare globally?
China operates the Jiangxia tidal power station in Zhejiang, one of the world's largest with 3.9 MW installed capacity. The country has identified over 10 GW of developable tidal resources along its eastern coastline, with several demonstration projects planned for Fujian and Zhejiang provinces.
What tidal energy technologies are Chinese companies developing?
Chinese firms including SMD and Harbin Engineering University are developing horizontal-axis tidal turbines with 500 kW to 1 MW capacity. Novel approaches include floating tidal platforms for deep-water deployment and bi-directional turbines optimized for China's asymmetric tidal patterns.