Chinese renewables firm Ming Yang Smart Energy Group has not received formal confirmation from the UK Government that its proposed £1.5 billion Scottish manufacturing facility has been rejected.
In a market update issued this morning, the company said it had “actively verified” claims that ministers had blocked the project on national security grounds, but confirmed that no official decision has yet been communicated.
The proposed development at Ardersier Port in the Highlands would create the UK’s first full industry-chain integrated wind turbine manufacturing base, producing both offshore and floating wind components.
The project, first announced in October 2025, was expected to be delivered in three phases and support around 1,500 jobs.
However, reports earlier this week suggested the UK Government had intervened to stop the investment, citing security concerns linked to Chinese ownership.
Responding to those reports, Ming Yang said it would continue discussions with the UK Government and provide updates as the situation develops.
The company also highlighted a series of risks around the project, including the need for approvals from UK and Chinese authorities, geopolitical uncertainty, and the potential for delays or cancellation.
It confirmed that no capital has yet been deployed on the project.
The uncertainty follows sharp criticism from Scotland’s outgoing deputy first minister Kate Forbes, who described the decision as “sabotage of Scotland’s industrial future” and warned it risked undermining the energy transition.
A spokesperson for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said earlier this week that the Government would “always act to protect our national security” and could not support the use of Ming Yang technology in UK offshore wind projects.
However, it would appear that was never directly communicated to the inward investor.
The situation comes at a pivotal moment for Scotland’s offshore wind supply chain, with Vestas separately outlining plans to invest hundreds of millions of pounds in a Scottish manufacturing facility, subject to future auction outcomes.