© Supplied by Mingyang The US government has reportedly raised concerns with UK counterparts over plans from China’s Mingyang to build an offshore wind turbine factory in Scotland.
Mingyang, one of the largest wind turbine makers in the world, has been investigating the potential investment in Scotland for several years.
It comes as Scotland prepares for a significant rollout of offshore wind capacity over the next decade, with major projects including Berwick Bank and those which form part of the ScotWind leasing round.
Mingyang is also pursuing similar plans for a factory in EU member Italy, which is also preparing to become a major player in floating offshore wind.
But a US official reportedly told the FT that Washington has warned London about what it perceives as national security risks attached from allowing Mingyang to provide turbines for North Sea windfarms.
Supply chain experts have warned that including the Zhongshan-based company in Scotland’s offshore wind sector would be a threat to energy security and UK intellectual property.
A German report released earlier this year also warned of the security risks Mingyang turbines could pose to North Sea offshore wind projects.
Mingyang is in talks with Green Volt developers Flotation Energy and Vårgrønn to supply floating offshore wind turbines for the North Sea project.
The company has also signed deals with Swedish developer Hexicon to provide turbines for a 32 MW pilot project in the Celtic Sea, and with UK firm Opergy Group.
Supporters of Mingyang’s planned investment in Scotland, including SNP deputy First Minister Kate Forbes, say the factory will provide jobs and assist the UK in reaching its net zero targets.
They also point to the presence of Chinese firms in nearly every renewable energy supply chain, from solar panels to battery storage systems.
But a recent clash between the UK government and Jingye Group, the Chinese owner of British Steel, has reportedly raised additional concerns within Whitehall about further investment from China in critical sectors.
