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STV News
27-06-2025
- Business
- STV News
Amazon leaders call on Scotland not to use illegal logging for world's largest floating wind farm
Amazonian leaders have called on Scotland not to rely on illegal logging to build the turbines for the world's largest floating wind farm. The Green Volt project, located 80km off the Northeast coast of Scotland, was approved last year. The Autonomous Territorial Government of the Wampís Nation, in Peru, warned that the development off Peterhead could rely on illegally logged balsa wood from the Amazon rainforest. Balsa wood is particularly light and strong, yet highly resistant, making it ideal for the manufacture of wind turbine propellers. Wampís leaders Pamuk Teófilo Kukush Pati and Tsanim Evaristo Wajai Asamat said rising demand for the wood, which grows naturally in the Amazon, has resulted in disputes and threats of violence against indigenous people. Mingyang is China's biggest offshore wind company, and environmental campaign group Friends of the Earth Scotland said it is the preferred manufacturer for Green Volt. The indigenous leaders claim Mingyang and others have allegedly relied on illegal balsa supply chains linked to their territory for years. Green Volt said that no turbine supplier has been confirmed for the project. A spokesperson for the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said the choice of suppliers is a commercial decision for the companies involved. But added: 'We expect businesses to do everything in their power to remove unethical practices, such as illegal logging, from their supply chains. 'Earlier this month, we joined forces with industry and The Crown Estate to invest £1bn in offshore wind supply chains. This will secure Britain's renewal through manufacturing facilities and skilled well-paid jobs, delivering on our mission to make the UK a clean energy superpower.' As part of their campaign, Mr Pati and Mr Asamat visited Holyrood and urged the Scottish Government to cut any links with illegal logging and introduce a corporate accountability law. 'We call on the Scottish Government not to invest in the big wind energy companies that are logging the Wampis territory,' Mr Pati, the Pamuk or elected president of the Wampís Nation said. 'The same goes for the oil and mining companies. Rather, they should invest in our own productive projects, which help to feed our people and protect our territory and forests.' Tom Younger, from the Forest Peoples Programme advocacy group, said: 'The Scottish and UK governments must take tougher measures to ensure that the expansion of wind power does not come at the cost of the Wampis nation's lives, lands and livelihoods, and rather recognise and support their efforts to protect their territory.' Green Volt secured approval from the UK Government in April 2024 under the Contracts for Difference scheme – the mechanism for supporting low-carbon electricity generation. It is the first project in the Crown Estate Scotland's Innovation and Targeted Oil and Gas (INTOG) leasing round to be granted consent. The world's current biggest floating wind farm, Hywind Tampen off of Norway, uses just 11 turbines. 'We are developing the largest commercial-scale, floating offshore windfarm in the world, working to hugely ambitious timelines to deliver the government's goal of 43-50 GW of offshore wind by 2030,' a Green Volt spokesperson said. 'Having secured a Contract for Difference from the government last year, we are identifying supply chain partners to help us build the wind farm. As yet, no turbine supplier has been confirmed for Green Volt.' A Scottish Government spokesperson said: 'The Scottish Government is clear that the use of safe, sustainable materials in the offshore wind supply chain is critical, ensuring we protect the natural environment as we grow our economy and transition to a green and renewable energy system.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Edinburgh Reporter
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Edinburgh Reporter
Amazonian leaders visit Holyrood to call for an end to illegal logging links with offshore wind farm
Pamuk Teófilo Kukush Pati and Tsanim Evaristo Wajai Asamat, who are visiting Scotland this week, attended The Scottish Parliament to demand action to stop Scotland's renewable energy plans from contributing to the illegal logging in the Wampís territory in the west of the Amazonian rainforest. Balsa wood, which is used in the manufacturing of wind turbine blades, grows naturally in the Amazon rainforest but the rising demand has resulted in many disputes and threats of violence on local Indigenous people. A 2024 investigation found that the Chinese wind turbine manufacturer, Mingyang, and others have allegedly relied for years on illegal balsa supply chains linked to the Wampís territory and those of neighbouring Indigenous people. Mingyang is China's biggest offshore wind company and is the preferred manufacturer for Green Volt, Europe's first commercial scale floating offshore wind farm. GreenVolt is located 80km off the North East coast of Scotland and is partly owned by the Scottish company Flotation Energy. The Scottish Government approved planning consent for the GreenVolt project in April 2024. Pamuk Teófilo Kukush Pati, the Pamuk or elected president of the Autonomous Territorial Government of the Wampís Nation said: 'We call on the Scottish Government not to invest in the big wind energy companies that are logging the Wampis territory. The same goes for the oil and mining companies. Rather, they should invest in our own productive projects, which help to feed our people and protect our territory and forests.' Kim Pratt, Senior Campaigner for Friends of the Earth Scotland said: 'Exactly one year on from the passing of Scotland's Circular Economy law, which requires the Scottish Government to consider that people and nature in supply chains are protected, the illegal use of balsa wood from the Wampis Nation would be a clear violation of that requirement. 'Scotland must transition away from fossil fuels but if this is done without considering the impact on other nations and nature, we will fail to create a better future. The Scottish Government should develop human rights and environmental standards for the public sector and guidance for the private sector to protect people and nature.' Tom Younger, Peru Programme Coordinator and Policy Advisor, Forest Peoples Programme said: 'Whether it's the extraction of rubber, gold, oil and gas or now balsa wood, Scotland and the rest of the UK owe a hefty historic climate and ecological debt to the Indigenous nations and peoples of the Peruvian Amazon. 'The Scottish and UK governments must take tougher measures to ensure that the expansion of wind power does not come at the cost of the Wampis nation's lives, lands and livelihoods, and rather recognise and support their efforts to protect their territory. Given there are also UK-based financial institutions directing investment to oil extraction in their territory, extraction that they reject and have not consented to, it's clear that there needs to be a new UK law that covers all sectors, requiring respect for human rights and the environment.' Indigenous leaders from The Autonomous Territorial Government of the Wampís Nation (GTANW) – the first Indigenous people to declare autonomy in Peru – are returning to Scotland ahead of COP30, having sent representatives to Glasgow during COP26. The leaders will be engaging in several events and exchanges with communities across Scotland, including at the University of St Andrews, the Isle of Eigg and Torry Aberdeen. They wish to share the importance of their autonomy, self- determination and self-governance, their culture and philosophy of Tarimat Pujut (to live well in harmony with nature). The leaders will present a position paper they have co-authored relating to the need for a UK corporate accountability law to Martin Whitfield MSP, who is accepting it on behalf of Douglas Alexander MP, on Monday 30 June at his constituency office. Indigenous leaders from the Autonomous Territorial Government of the Wampís Nation (GTANW), situated in Peru, visit The Scottish Parliament. Pamuk Teófilo Kukush Pati is the elected leader and Tsanim Evaristo Wajai Asamat is the Director of Justice. Pic Greg Macvean 25/06/2025 Indigenous leaders from the Autonomous Territorial Government of the Wampís Nation (GTANW), situated in Peru, visit the Scottish Parliament. Pamuk Teófilo Kukush Pati is the elected leader and Tsanim Evaristo Wajai Asamat is the Director of Justice. Pic Greg Macvean 25/06/2025 Indigenous leaders from the Autonomous Territorial Government of the Wampís Nation (GTANW), situated in Peru, visit the Scottish Parliament. Pamuk Teófilo Kukush Pati is the elected leader and Tsanim Evaristo Wajai Asamat is the Director of Justice. Pic Greg Macvean 25/06/2025 Indigenous leaders from the Autonomous Territorial Government of the Wampís Nation (GTANW), situated in Peru, visit the Scottish Parliament. Pamuk Teófilo Kukush Pati is the elected leader and Tsanim Evaristo Wajai Asamat is the Director of Justice. Pic Greg Macvean 25/06/2025 Indigenous leaders from the Autonomous Territorial Government of the Wampís Nation (GTANW), situated in Peru, visit the Scottish Parliament. Pamuk Teófilo Kukush Pati is the elected leader and Tsanim Evaristo Wajai Asamat is the Director of Justice. Pic Greg Macvean 25/06/2025 Indigenous leaders from the Autonomous Territorial Government of the Wampís Nation (GTANW), situated in Peru, visit the Scottish Parliament. Pamuk Teófilo Kukush Pati is the elected leader and Tsanim Evaristo Wajai Asamat is the Director of Justice. Pic Greg Macvean 25/06/2025 Indigenous leaders from the Autonomous Territorial Government of the Wampís Nation (GTANW), situated in Peru, visit the Scottish Parliament. Pamuk Teófilo Kukush Pati is the elected leader and Tsanim Evaristo Wajai Asamat is the Director of Justice. Pic Greg Macvean 25/06/2025 Indigenous leaders from the Autonomous Territorial Government of the Wampís Nation (GTANW), situated in Peru, visit the Scottish Parliament. Pamuk Teófilo Kukush Pati is the elected leader and Tsanim Evaristo Wajai Asamat is the Director of Justice. Pic Greg Macvean 25/06/2025 Like this: Like Related
The National
19-06-2025
- Business
- The National
US government 'concerned' over plans for Chinese factory in Scotland
Speaking to the Financial Times, a US official said that the Trump administration had warned the UK Government about what it said were 'national security risks' if Mingyang is allowed to build a plant in the UK. UK ministers are set to review whether they should block the factory, which would supply wind farms in the North Sea, after concerns were raised over cyber security and the danger of being over-reliant on Chinese technology. While Guandong-based Mingyang is not state-owned, critics have argued that there is a risk that the Chinese government could interfere with its decision making and have also raised security fears over Chinese suppliers operating in UK waters. Both US security officials and the UK's Ministry of Defence (MoD) have previously warned of the risk that Chinese wind turbines could house 'electronic surveillance technology' such as trackers. Back in November, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes indicated that the Scottish Government is open to Minyang's factory, telling the Financial Times that there was 'room' for the company. READ MORE: Watch first glimpse of five beaver kits born in Cairngorms National Park However, the Scottish Government is waiting for clarification on the security implications, which is a matter reserved to Westminster. The National previously told in February how Mingyang is also in talks with developers Flotation Energy and Vargronn to supply offshore wind turbines for a North Sea project called Green Volt. While concerns were raised at the time, Treasury officials were said to have overruled objections from other parts of the Government – including from the MoD – to the project. A UK Government spokesperson declined to comment on the Mingyang case but said that the Government would 'never let anything get in the way of our national security'. They added: 'Investment in the energy sector is subject to the highest levels of national security scrutiny.' A spokesperson for the Green Volt project said: 'We welcome all inward investment in offshore wind to help grow the sector, create jobs and build a thriving supply chain here in the UK.' Mingyang declined to comment.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
TGS Commences Ultra-High Resolution 3D Seismic Survey for Green Volt Wind Development
London, United Kingdom (06 June 2025) – TGS, a leading global provider of energy data and intelligence has commenced a geophysical survey for the pioneering Green Volt floating offshore wind farm. Mobilization initiated in Aberdeen last week and the work scheduled throughout June will include an ultra-high resolution 3D (UHR3D) seismic survey used to deliver detailed subsurface data for the floating wind farm's site characterization. The Green Volt project is a joint venture between leading offshore wind developers Flotation Energy and Vårgrønn. As Europe's first commercial-scale floating windfarm at 560 MW, the project is a catalyst for developing a highly specialized UK floating wind supply chain. Utilizing integrated Multibeam Echo Sounder, Side Scan Sonar, Sub-bottom Profiler and Magnetometer sensors, the advanced survey will enhance geological understanding and provide critical insights for the project's site planning and risk assessments. Spanning the full lifecycle from acquisition planning to imaging and interpretation, this campaign for Green Volt will support employment opportunities across the UK, where TGS maintains a significant presence. TGS has 3 offices in the UK with over 200 employees. Offshore survey crews, geophysicists and onshore geoscientists will be engaged throughout the project, ensuring the delivery of high-quality processed data and data will provide detailed understanding of the subsurface conditions, revealing potential risks and challenges that are not always accurately captured through traditional 2D data interpolation. The enhanced data collection will help the Green Volt project team identify geological hazards and structural complexities, contributing to improved site assessment and risk mitigation strategies. This, in turn, will form a reliable foundation for the project's ongoing planning and execution. By leveraging the latest acquisition configurations, TGS will enhance efficiency and improve target resolutions to meet the highest industry standards. Commenting on the start of this survey, TGS EVP New Energy Solutions, Will Ashby, said: "This represents a key milestone for TGS to utilize our expertise, technology and resources to support the development of the first commercial floating offshore wind farm, Green Volt. This simultaneous acquisition of all sensors and the application of our cutting-edge processing techniques is reinforcing our commitment to delivering industry-leader data solutions. UHR3D will be a key aspect to developing floating wind farms.' Matt Green, Project Director for Green Volt said: 'Green Volt is pleased to be working alongside TGS on these important geophysical site surveys, which will not only advance our project but will also further develop our understanding of how the UKCS subsea offshore landscape can support deeper, larger windfarms as we continue to develop our industry. Accurate data is vital component in our learning and will help strengthen the UK's floating wind supply chain. This contract supports local jobs and innovation, helping to build a world-leading offshore wind sector right here in the UK.' About TGSTGS provides advanced data and intelligence to companies active in the energy sector. With leading-edge technology and solutions spanning the entire energy value chain, TGS offers a comprehensive range of insights to help clients make better decisions. Our broad range of products and advanced data technologies, coupled with a global, extensive and diverse energy data library, make TGS a trusted partner in supporting the exploration and production of energy resources worldwide. For further information, please visit ( For media inquiries, contact: Bård StenbergIR & Business Intelligence investor@ About Green VoltGreen Volt is set to become Europe's first commercial scale floating offshore wind farm, located approximately 80 kilometres off the northeast coast of Scotland. Jointly developed by Flotation Energy and Vårgrønn, the project will feature up to 35 floating wind turbines with a total capacity of 560 megawatts. Once operational, Green Volt will provide clean power to the UK grid and facilitate the electrification of participating oil and gas platforms. Developed under Crown Estate Scotland's Innovation and Targeted Oil and Gas (INTOG) leasing round, Green Volt aims to reduce carbon emissions by one million tonnes per year, significantly contributing to the UK's and Scotland's net-zero targets. The project has secured all necessary planning approvals and, in September 2024, was awarded a Contract for Difference (CfD) by the UK in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
The Guardian
12-05-2025
- Business
- The Guardian
Potential role for Chinese firm in key UK windfarm attracts government scrutiny
Ministers are weighing up proposals for a Chinese company to supply wind turbines for a major offshore windfarm in the North Sea. The government is in discussions with Green Volt North Sea over whether Mingyang, China's biggest offshore wind company, should supply the wind turbines. Mingyang has emerged as the preferred manufacturer, but the company has sought advice from ministers on whether to proceed. Green Volt, which is jointly owned by Flotation Energy, a Scottish company and Vårgrønn, a Norwegian one, is constructing the first commercial-scale floating offshore windfarm in Europe. The project will deliver electricity to oil and gas platforms, replacing power currently generated by gas and diesel turbines, and provide electricity to the UK grid. The decision over whether to source its wind turbines from Mingyang will be closely scrutinised after the government stepped in to take control of British Steel amid claims that its Chinese owner, Jingye Group, wanted to shut down its Scunthorpe plant to make the UK a dumping ground for Chinese steel. The incident triggered calls for Chinese companies to be locked out of involvement with critical national infrastructure. Jonathan Reynolds, the business secretary, said at first that he would not bring another Chinese company into the British steel sector before softening his position. Ed Miliband, the energy secretary, travelled to China earlier this spring to discuss closer cooperation on energy and climate. The decision over whether Mingyang can supply the turbines is not subject to any formal government process, but the company is unlikely to proceed if ministers say they have security concerns. The Sun reported three months ago that some officials in the Ministry of Defence and Department for Energy Security and Net Zero had raised concerns about the proposed deal. Green Volt has been waiting for a verdict from the government for weeks, according to people familiar with the discussions. An industry source said the UK did not currently have the heavy manufacturing capability to produce the turbines domestically. 'They have tried to get European manufacturers to no avail,' the source said of Green Volt. 'Miliband is on to something here. We all want to get to where he wants to get to, but if it's not from Chinese companies, who is going to [supply wind turbines] to us?' The project would be an important contributor to the government's mission to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Progress towards that suffered a blow this week when the Danish company Ørsted cancelled its plans to build one of the UK's largest offshore windfarms, the Hornsea 4 project. Ministers are hopeful that Ørsted will return to the table, however. Sign up to First Edition Our morning email breaks down the key stories of the day, telling you what's happening and why it matters after newsletter promotion Mingyang has also come under scrutiny in Germany, where it is supplying wind turbines for the Waterkant offshore windfarm. The Guardian contacted Mingyang for comment. A Green Volt spokesperson said: 'We are developing the largest commercial-scale, floating offshore windfarm in the world, working to hugely ambitious timelines to deliver the government's goal of 43-50 GW of offshore wind by 2030. Having secured a contract for difference from the government last year, we are identifying supply chain partners to help us build the windfarm. As yet, no turbine supplier has been confirmed for Green Volt. We will comply with any government regulation and guidance around security of critical national infrastructure in the selection of all our suppliers.' A government spokesperson said: 'We would never let anything get in the way of our national security, and while we would not comment on individual cases, investment in the energy sector is subject to the highest levels of national security scrutiny. 'We are undergoing rigorous processes to look at the role of China in our supply chain and investment in critical infrastructure – taking into account the national security considerations, as well as our need for investment in the supply chain.'
