Overview
- Keir Starmer said no decision has been made on Mingyang’s proposal and confirmed there would be no announcement during his visit to China.
- The planned Ardersier hub near Inverness is pitched as a £1.5bn project creating up to 1,500 jobs, with production targeted for 2028.
- Security services have been asked to report on risks, including potential access to and remote control of offshore turbines in UK waters.
- Mingyang says it would invest up to £750m in the first phase, has been in talks with UK and Scottish authorities, and would require national security clearance.
- Critics warn the move could deepen reliance on China and undercut European suppliers, with reports noting US warnings and the price advantage of Chinese state-backed turbines.