Chinese Firm's Highland Port Plans Blocked by UK Government
Chinese renewable energy company Ming Yang announced that its plans to establish the UK's largest wind turbine manufacturing plant in the Highlands have been halted by the UK government.
Ming Yang had proposed a £1.5bn facility at Ardersier Port near Nairn.
In an official statement, the company expressed disappointment over the decision but stated it would continue to "engage constructively" with the UK government.
The UK government explained that the turbines intended for production at the facility would not be suitable for UK offshore wind projects and therefore it could not support their deployment.
In January, the UK government indicated it expected to make a decision "soon" regarding approval of Ming Yang's project.
Trade Minister Sir Chris Bryant emphasized the government's need to ensure that investment in the port was "safe and secure."
Speaking on BBC's Radio Scotland Breakfast programme, Bryant said the UK must be "clear eyed" about its relationship with China and address issues such as human rights.
'Missed opportunity'
Ming Yang had announced its plans last year to build the plant and create 1,500 jobs.
A company spokesperson told BBC Scotland News:
"We are disappointed by the UK government's decision not to allow Ming Yang's world-leading technology to be used."
The spokesperson stated that the decision represented a "significant opportunity" missed to increase competition in the wind turbine market and to create up to 1,500 jobs.
They also warned that the move risks keeping energy prices higher for longer for British households and industry amid global energy shocks.
"We will continue to engage constructively with the UK government, including on the important topic of national security, and remain committed to supporting the UK's mission to become a clean energy superpower.
We continue to believe in the long-term potential of the UK market, and our planned activities remain unchanged."
'We welcome investment from China'
The UK government stated that the renewable industry had sought its view on the use of the proposed turbines in British waters and the energy system.
A government spokesperson said:
"After careful consideration, government's view is that we cannot support the use of them in UK offshore wind projects.
We will always act to protect our national security, and we are committed to strengthening and prioritising resilient and sustainable offshore wind supply chains."
The spokesperson added:
"We welcome investment from China where it's in our national interest - as demonstrated by significant inward investment during the prime minister's recent visit to Beijing.
We will continue to take a consistent, long term and strategic approach to our relationship with China - cooperating where we can, whilst never compromising on security and resilience."
Ardersier is a former oil and gas fabrication yard near Inverness.
In the 1970s, the McDermott Yard opened at the location on the Moray Firth for fabrication and construction of offshore platforms for the then newly-established North Sea gas and oil industry.
At its peak, the yard employed about 4,500 people but closed in 2001 as demand declined.
The 450-acre (182ha) site is currently being redeveloped and forms part of the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport.
Earlier this week, public body Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) approved more than £3 million to support development of the site.
