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China’s Mingyang Smart Energy has announced plans to invest up to GBP 1.5 billion (approximately EUR 1.7 billion) in Scotland to create what the company says would be Britain’s first fully integrated offshore wind turbine manufacturing facility, which would provide up to 1,500 new jobs.
The three-phased project would create an offshore wind hub to serve the UK, European, and other non-Asian markets.
Phase one includes an up to GBP 750 million investment to create an advanced manufacturing facility for both turbine nacelles and blades, with first production planned by late 2028.
The second phase would expand the facility and infrastructure to serve the deployment of floating offshore wind technology at scale in the UK. Phase three would include the manufacturing of control systems, electronics, and other key components.
“We firmly believe that by moving forward with our plans to create jobs, skills and a supply chain in the UK, we can make this country the global hub for offshore wind technology. We fully support the Government’s mission to become a clean energy superpower, and I’m confident that once the plans are approved we can make a valued contribution to this goal,” said Aman Wan g, UK CEO of Mingyang Smart Energy.
A number of sites in Scotland have been shortlisted, the Chinese company said, with Ardersier Port near Inverness currently the preferred location. The project would enable the redeployment of workers previously employed in the oil and gas sector.
The company added that it held extensive discussions with the UK and Scottish governments over the last two years on its plans, as well as holding commercial discussions with Great British Energy, the National Wealth Fund, the Scottish National Investment Bank, the Crown Estate, and UK Export Finance.