Mingyang, a Chinese offshore wind turbine manufacturer, has confirmed its intention to establish a manufacturing facility in Scotland, marking a significant step in the UK’s renewable energy ambitions. The company plans to invest up to £1.5 billion in the project, creating approximately 1,500 jobs. Among the shortlisted sites, Ardersier Port in Inverness has emerged as the preferred location.
This investment is poised to establish Britain’s first integrated offshore wind turbine manufacturing facility, bringing critical parts of the renewables supply chain to the UK. The development will unfold in three phases, with the initial £750 million stage slated to commence production of nacelles and blades by late 2028. Subsequent phases will expand the facility into an ‘offshore wind industry ecosystem,’ including infrastructure to support the large-scale deployment of floating offshore technology.
Mingyang Group chairman Zhang Chuanwei expressed the company’s commitment to the global energy transition, stating, “As a global leader in wind technology, Mingyang is committed to accelerating the global energy transition through innovation and community-focused comprehensive energy solutions. We are excited by the prospect of investing in the UK and look forward to finalising our investment decision.”
Aman Wang, the OEM’s UK chief, emphasized the potential for the UK to become a global hub for offshore wind technology. “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.”
The company has engaged in extensive discussions with the UK and Scottish governments over the past two years, as well as detailed commercial talks with Great British Energy, the National Wealth Fund, the Scottish National Investment Bank, the Crown Estate, and UK Export Finance.
This development could significantly reshape the UK’s offshore wind sector, potentially accelerating the deployment of floating wind technology and strengthening the domestic supply chain. The investment may also spur further foreign direct investment in the UK’s renewable energy sector, fostering innovation and job creation. However, the success of this project will hinge on the timely approval and execution of the plans, as well as the continued support from both the UK and Scottish governments.