Chinese group Ming Yang Smart Energy, the largest private wind turbine manufacturer in China, has announced plans to invest up to £1.5bn ($1.83bn) in a manufacturing plant in Scotland, at the green freeport site in Ardersier. The industrial project is presented as the most ambitious ever considered in the United Kingdom’s wind turbine manufacturing sector.
The first phase, valued at £750mn ($916mn), is expected to launch production by the end of 2028. Ming Yang plans to build a comprehensive offshore wind industrial hub around the site, creating a full ecosystem that includes the supply chain.
A strategic site for offshore wind
Ardersier, located in the Scottish Highlands, has been selected as the preferred site after two years of discussions with both the Scottish and UK governments. The port’s designation follows its inclusion in the green freeport programme, which aims to boost investment in renewable energy through tax and customs incentives.
Ming Yang’s UK Chief Executive Officer Aman Wang stated that the company sees this location as an opportunity to position the UK as a global hub for offshore wind technology. The initiative is expected to create up to 1,500 local jobs based on early estimates.
National security questions and funding scrutiny
While welcomed by Scottish authorities, the project has drawn criticism from certain British political circles. Conservative MP Nick Timothy expressed concerns about the origin of Ming Yang’s capital, citing “massive subsidies in China” and calling for the government to block investments from “hostile states.”
UK Energy Secretary Michael Shanks stated that he “encouraged investment” while confirming that all decisions would comply with national security requirements. The UK government reaffirmed that several companies are seeking to invest in the country and that each case would be reviewed individually.
Local response and industrial outlook
The Scottish government praised the selection of Ardersier as a strategic site, emphasising the port’s importance for the expansion of the offshore wind industry in Scotland. According to local officials, the move reflects the strong economic potential offered by the country’s wind sector.
Ming Yang’s project could mark a significant milestone in the industrial development of Scotland’s wind value chain, supporting the creation of skilled jobs and enhancing local manufacturing capabilities. However, the investment remains subject to final approval by the UK authorities, who have not yet ruled on the strategic implications of the operation.
