An SNP minister has insisted John Swinney was “absolutely right” to ask Prime Minister Andy Burnham to reconsider the UK Government’s block on plans by Chinese firm Ming Yang to build a wind turbine factory in Scotland.
Plans blocked over national security
Ming Yang had proposed building the facility in Ardersier, near Inverness, with the potential for creating up to 1,500 jobs. But the plans were blocked by the UK Government over national security concerns about the Chinese firm. Swinney pressed the Prime Minister last month to reconsider the proposal.
Scotland’s energy minister Stephen Gethin today insisted it was a “massive blow” that the plans have been vetoed by the UK Government. He said: “The First Minister is right to ask about this. This is 1,500 jobs in the north of Scotland. It’s also an area that is being transformed by that move towards offshore renewables, Scotland continuing to contribute.”
Energy security concerns
Gethin highlighted that the area is important for security, with Scotland contributing to European energy security. He noted that China is investing in the energy and ICT sectors, with Chinese investment across Europe having increased over the past couple of years. He said the veto would have a “huge impact” on jobs, investment, and the transition to renewables.
Gethin, who has been sanctioned by Russia, said national security is of “paramount importance” and he does not take the issue lightly, but added it is right to push back on the decision on Ming Yang. He said: “As the energy minister, we are – I am – right to push back on this. I see the fantastic potential. I see the jobs that are being produced, and national security goes both ways.”
Company response and government position
Ming Yang’s UK chief executive Aman Wang said: “We were disappointed by the Government’s decision in March. We fully respect the Government’s duty to protect national security and have always been clear that we will meet the requirements the UK sets. Our proposed investment at Ardersier would bring £1.5 billion of investment and up to 1,500 direct jobs, with up to 8,000 more in the supply chain. We are committed to supporting the growth in every postcode that this Government wants to see, to reindustrialisation and to lowering energy bills.”
A UK Government spokesperson said: “After careful consideration the Government concluded that there are national security risks associated with the use of Ming Yang wind turbines in UK offshore wind projects.” Gethin said he hopes the UK Government will reconsider or set out in very clear terms whether things have changed.
