The United States has raised national security concerns with the UK government over plans by Chinese wind turbine manufacturer Mingyang to build a factory in Scotland to supply North Sea offshore wind projects, according to a report in the Financial Times.
Citing a US official, the FT said Washington has privately warned London about the potential risks of allowing the Guangdong-based company, one of China’s largest turbine suppliers, to establish a presence in the UK energy supply chain.
The intervention adds to growing scrutiny by British ministers, who are weighing whether to block the proposal under the National Security and Investment Act, according to the newspaper.
Although Mingyang is not state-owned, critics have pointed to the possibility of influence from the Chinese government.
The FT reported that concerns have also been fuelled by a separate dispute with Chinese-owned Jingye Group, which controls the British Steel site in Scunthorpe, prompting UK ministers to take temporary control of the facility earlier this year.
Mingyang is said to be in discussions with developers Flotation Energy and Vårgrønn to supply turbines for the Green Volt floating wind project, and is also engaged with Cerulean Winds and Hexicon on other proposed developments.
The Scottish government, which supports inward investment into renewables, has indicated openness to Mingyang’s involvement but said it awaits Westminster’s lead on national security matters.
The FT said the US has voiced similar concerns to Germany, where Mingyang is lined up as a preferred supplier for the Waterkant project.
American officials have highlighted the risk of surveillance technologies being embedded in Chinese turbines, especially near military installations, according to the report.