The United States has privately expressed national security concerns to the UK government over a proposal by Chinese wind turbine manufacturer Mingyang to build a factory in Scotland, according to a report by the Financial Times.
The Guangdong-based company, one of China’s largest turbine producers, is reportedly seeking to supply equipment for offshore wind projects in the North Sea. However, Washington has warned London about the potential risks of allowing Mingyang to integrate into the UK’s energy supply chain, the FT reported, citing a U.S. official.
The concerns come as British ministers evaluate whether to intervene under the National Security and Investment Act, a law designed to scrutinize foreign involvement in critical sectors. While Mingyang is a private firm, some officials and analysts have raised questions over potential state influence, the report said.
“Mingyang is not state-owned, but critics have pointed to the possibility of influence from the Chinese government,” the FT noted.
The scrutiny follows recent tensions over Chinese investment in British infrastructure. Earlier this year, the UK government temporarily took control of the British Steel plant in Scunthorpe, owned by China’s Jingye Group, amid a separate dispute. That episode has added to wider concerns over the role of Chinese firms in key national assets.
In Scotland, Mingyang is in talks with renewable developers Flotation Energy and Vårgrønn to supply turbines for the Green Volt floating wind project. It is also engaged with Cerulean Winds and Hexicon on additional proposed developments, the FT said.
While the Scottish government supports foreign investment in renewables, it has stated that decisions on national security remain with the UK government. “The Scottish government… awaits Westminster’s lead on national security matters,” the FT reported.
Washington has also raised similar issues in Germany, where Mingyang is positioned as a preferred supplier for the Waterkant offshore wind project. According to the FT, U.S. officials have highlighted the risk of surveillance technology potentially being embedded in wind turbines, particularly in proximity to sensitive military or communications infrastructure.
The UK government has not publicly commented on whether it plans to block Mingyang’s proposal, but officials continue to assess the national security implications of foreign involvement in critical energy infrastructure.
