Ming Yang Smart Energy, a Chinese wind turbine manufacturer, has announced plans to invest up to £1.5bn ($2bn) to establish a manufacturing base in Scotland. The facility will focus on producing offshore and floating turbines, with the first phase expected to be operational by the end of 2028. This project marks a significant step in Ming Yang’s expansion into the UK and European markets. The firm, which is the largest private wind turbine manufacturer in China, has been in talks with the Scottish and UK governments over the past two years.
The investment will be executed in three phases, with the first phase involving a £750m investment in an advanced manufacturing facility. This phase is projected to create 1500 jobs initially and contribute to the development of an industry ecosystem.
The project will be funded by Ming Yang’s own capital. Several sites in Scotland have been shortlisted for the facility, with Ardersier in the Highlands emerging as the preferred option.
Criticism of the scheme
However, critics of the scheme worry about the broader implications of overreliance on China in global supply chains, reported the Financial Times. The firm’s UK chief executive, Aman Wang said: “We firmly believe that by moving forward with our plans to create jobs, skills and a supply chain in the UK, we can make this country the global hub for offshore wind technology.”
However an opposition party Member of Parliament has previously questioned the wisdom of letting the company invest in the UK. Last November, MP Nick Timothy asked UK energy minister Michael Shanks about Ming Yang’s plans to invest in Scotland, saying the government should rule out investment from “hostile states”. Timothy said Ming Yang “benefits from huge subsidies in China,” adding any investment was subject to “serious questions about energy and national security”.
In a statement released on 10 October a UK government spokesperson said: “This is one of a number of companies that wants to invest in the UK. Any decisions made will be consistent with our national security.”
