Plans for a £1.5billion wind turbine manufacturing facility in the Highlands have been halted after the UK Government blocked Chinese firm Ming Yang on national security grounds.
The proposed development at Ardersier Port would have been the UK’s largest turbine factory and was expected to create around 1,500 jobs.
Outgoing deputy first minister Kate Forbes criticised the decision, stating: “National security is obviously important and must be respected, but it is regrettable the UK government has failed to explain precisely what the problem is with Ming Yang.
“Labour are already hammering Scotland’s oil and gas sector, killing investment and costing jobs. Now, at exactly the time when we need to accelerate the transition to clean, green energy, delivering the jobs people need, Labour have pulled the rug out from under Scotland’s renewables industry.
“This decision has been sitting on the desks of UK Government ministers for over 18 months. Their dithering will have far-reaching consequences that, once again, will be left for Scotland to deal with. That is simply sabotage of Scotland’s industrial future.”
A spokesperson for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said: “After careful consideration, government’s view is that we cannot support the use of them in UK offshore wind projects.
“We will always act to protect our national security, and we are committed to strengthening and prioritising resilient and sustainable offshore wind supply chains.”
Ming Yang said it was disappointed but would continue to “engage constructively” with the UK Government.
The decision comes as Danish renewables firm Vestas outlines separate plans to invest hundreds of millions in a yet-to-be-identified Scottish manufacturing facility, creating around 500 jobs, subject to securing sufficient orders through upcoming auction rounds.
Henrik Andersen, CEO Vestas, said: “The UK Government has made a big statement with AR7, showcasing how wind energy creates a positive impact on energy security, sustainability, and affordability for end consumers.
“We welcome the UK and Scottish governments’ dedication to fostering a competitive offshore wind market and look forward to working together to progress our co-investment plans.”
Energy secretary Ed Miliband said: “The Government’s clean energy mission is delivering good industrial jobs for Scottish workers-boosting growth as part of our drive to give the UK energy security.
“This is happening because of the Government’s record-breaking offshore wind auction and the confidence our mission has given industry to invest in Scotland. We will not stop in driving to create many more jobs like these for Scotland and the UK.”