The UK government is nearing a decision on Mingyang’s £1.5bn turbine factory proposal in Scotland, with Trade Minister Sir Chris Bryant indicating that a verdict is imminent. The delay, he told the BBC today, stems from careful consideration of national security implications and the broader UK-China relationship. “We don’t want to flip flop on our relationship with China,” Bryant admitted, underscoring the delicate balance the government is striking.
The Guangzhou-based offshore wind manufacturer submitted its plans last October, but concerns from MPs about supply deals for UK and European wind farms have prompted a thorough review. Bryant emphasized the need for investments to be “safe and secure,” particularly when involving critical national infrastructure. “Any aspect of our critical national infrastructure, we want to make sure that the investment is safe, secure, and is going to do the business for us as well as for China,” he told BBC Radio Scotland. “And so, I expect we’ll be able to make a decision soon.”
The timing of the decision is uncertain, with Bryant offering only that the government “hope[s] to make a decision soon.” Meanwhile, Prime Minister Keir Starmer is in China, where he met with President Xi Jinping yesterday, adding another layer of geopolitical context to the deliberations.
Mingyang has hinted at contingency plans, revealing this week that it is exploring “Plan B” locations in Europe should the UK reject its Scottish proposal. The outcome of this decision could set a precedent for future foreign investments in the UK’s renewable energy sector, particularly as the country aims to bolster its offshore wind capacity. The government’s approach will likely be scrutinized for its impact on both economic growth and national security, shaping how similar investments are handled in the future.