Chinese wind turbine manufacturer Mingyang Smart Energy has confirmed plans to build an offshore wind turbine manufacturing plant in Scotland, marking a significant investment in the UK’s renewable energy sector.
The company said it plans to invest up to £1.5 billion in the facility, which is expected to create approximately 1,500 jobs. Ardersier Port near Inverness has been identified as the preferred location, with several other sites across Scotland also under consideration.
If finalised, the development would establish what Mingyang described as the UK’s “first integrated offshore wind turbine manufacturing facility,” aiming to localise key parts of the offshore wind supply chain.
The investment will be rolled out in three phases. The initial stage, valued at £750 million, is expected to begin production of nacelles and blades by late 2028. Subsequent phases will expand the site into what the company termed an “offshore wind industry ecosystem,” including infrastructure to support large-scale deployment of floating offshore wind technology.
“As a global leader in wind technology, Mingyang is committed to accelerating the global energy transition through innovation and community-focused comprehensive energy solutions,” said Zhang Chuanwei, Chairman of Mingyang Group. “We are excited by the prospect of investing in the UK and look forward to finalising our investment decision.”
Mingyang UK Chief Aman Wang said the project supports the UK government’s ambitions for clean energy leadership: “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.”
He added: “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.”
Mingyang stated it has engaged in two years of discussions with both the UK and Scottish governments, along with talks involving Great British Energy, the National Wealth Fund, the Scottish National Investment Bank, the Crown Estate, and UK Export Finance.
A final investment decision is expected following the conclusion of these discussions.
