Overview
- The UK government, which announced the decision Wednesday, said it will not support Ming Yang turbines in offshore wind projects, stopping a planned £1.5 billion Ardersier plant that was billed for up to 1,500 jobs.
- Officials pointed to defence concerns, including the risk that turbine equipment could aid surveillance and that foreign engineers could gain regular access near undersea cables and communications links.
- First Minister John Swinney said he was blindsided and warned of lost Highland jobs, while Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes pressed for an explanation of the specific security risks cited.
- Ming Yang said it was disappointed and argued the block delays investment and competition in a tight turbine market where Chinese models are often cheaper due to state support, though it pledged to keep engaging with UK officials.
- Hours after the block, UK and Scottish ministers backed a separate Vestas component plant that could create about 500 jobs, and coverage also highlighted US lawmakers’ prior warnings about reliance on Chinese suppliers.