A Chinese renewable energy giant, Ming Yang Smart Energy, has unveiled plans to build what will become the UK’s largest wind turbine manufacturing plant, with Scotland chosen as the
preferred location.
The project, worth up to £1.5 billion, is expected to create around 1,500 new jobs, giving a major boost to Scotland’s growing offshore wind industry.
After two years of discussions with both the Scottish and UK governments, the company has identified Ardersier in the Highlands as its preferred site. Ardersier is one of Scotland’s designated green freeport zones, which offer tax and customs incentives to attract sustainable investment.
In the first phase of construction, Ming Yang plans to invest up to £750 million in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, with production expected to begin by late 2028. Future phases will expand the site into what the company describes as a full “offshore wind industry ecosystem.”
Partnership and energy vision
The announcement comes just weeks after Ming Yang partnered with Octopus Energy to collaborate on new wind power projects in the UK.
Political and security reactions
Not everyone has welcomed the plan without concern. In November 2023, Conservative MP Nick Timothy questioned whether the UK should allow investment from what he called “hostile states,” citing concerns about energy and national security.
Energy Minister Michael Shanks responded that the Government continues to encourage investment that supports the UK’s clean energy goals, while a UK Government spokesperson added that “any decisions made will be consistent with national security.”
Scottish government’s response
The Scottish Government welcomed Ming Yang’s choice of Ardersier, describing it as a major opportunity for the Highlands and for Scotland’s renewable sector as a whole.
A government spokesperson said: “We welcome that Ming Yang Smart Energy has chosen Ardersier as their preferred location for investment. This port is strategically important to the growth and success of the offshore wind sector. This illustrates the strength of opportunity and huge economic potential that the Scottish offshore wind sector offers. We recognise that Ming Yang’s investment is subject to a decision from the UK Government and look forward to the outcome of that process.” Photo by Lukipuk, Wikimedia commons.