Britain’s security services are reportedly participating in a review of China’s increasing role in the UK’s decarbonising energy system, amid growing concerns over Beijing’s influence in critical national infrastructure.
According to the Financial Times, MI5 is working to assess the potential security risks associated with the use of Chinese technology, such as solar panels and industrial batteries, in the UK’s energy system. The review aims to understand the extent to which these technologies could pose future threats to national security.
As the UK transitions away from fossil fuels, there is mounting concern over the dominance of Chinese companies in global supply chains for technologies that are vital to decarbonisation efforts. A government official told FT.com, “The spooks are looking at it … It’s tied to the industrial strategy, looking at general questions of where we get our things from, and the security risk.”
The review is part of a broader government “audit” of UK-China relations, which is expected to report later this year. The audit is being led by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, with contributions from other departments.
The scrutiny over China’s role in the energy sector has intensified following reports that Mingyang, a Chinese turbine manufacturer, is set to supply turbines for the Green Volt floating offshore wind project off the coast of Scotland. This has led to some uncertainty, as the joint venture partners Flotation Energy and Vargronn clarified that no turbine supplier has yet been confirmed.
Mingyang has expressed plans to open a turbine manufacturing plant in Scotland if selected as the supplier, with backing from the UK Treasury. “Chancellor Rachel Reeves came back from her recent trip to China really keen on this project,” one government figure noted.
As part of its decarbonisation efforts, the UK government aims to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels by 2030, which will require a significant increase in wind turbines, solar panels, and batteries. However, concerns have emerged regarding the “primary control systems” of Chinese-made turbines, which are used to control blade movement and optimize wind direction.
The UK government has stated that it is conducting “rigorous processes” to evaluate China’s role in Britain’s critical infrastructure and supply chains. However, any efforts to limit Chinese involvement in UK renewables may be challenging, given China’s significant position in the global supply of batteries and solar panels, even as its presence in wind turbine supply remains relatively small.
