Latest news with #Mingyang
Spectator
21-07-2025
- Business
- Spectator
When will Miliband make up his mind on Mingyang?
Net Zero Secretary Ed Miliband is preparing to be grilled by the Energy Security and Net Zero Committee this afternoon – and Mr S has a question for the lefty Cabinet minister too. While the veteran politician has expended a lot of his own energy on taking a pop at net-zero sceptics for 'talking their country down', he appears to be neglecting some rather important decision-making. As parliament prepares to rise for recess, Mr S would like to know whether Miliband has finished dithering over a dilemma regarding China's influence over Britain's infrastructure: specifically, the curious case of Mingyang Smart Energy. Miliband appears to be dragging his heels in considering what exactly to do about a windfarm project in Scotland that could see British reliance on Chinese-made turbines. Mingyang Smart Energy is a private Chinese company with close ties to the Chinese Communist Party. The organisation is hoping to sign a contract with Green Volt North Sea – jointly owned by Flotation Energy, a Scottish company, and Vårgrønn, a Norwegian one – which is constructing the first commercial-scale floating offshore wind farm in Europe. The project aims to deliver electricity to oil and gas platforms (in place of power generated via gas and diesel turbines) and power the UK grid. Green Volt has been waiting on approval from the government to go ahead using Mingyang-made blades for months – but with no response as yet, the company remains in limbo. The contract would involve Mingyang establishing a turbine factory in Scotland – a move the Trump administration has directly warned the government against over security concerns. So much for a just transition, eh? The decision to allow Mingyang machinery has left ministers divided amidst an 'ongoing discussion' on the role of China in Britain's critical infrastructure. Concerns centre around national security, as well as the possible use of forced labour in supply chains – such as from the repressed Uyghur population in Xinjiang province. Mingyang's CEO and chair Zhang Chuanwei has links to the CCP and is regarded as a longtime party loyalist. As noted in a 2021 profile of the company boss by Gavekal Fathom China, Zhang joined the People's Liberation Army as a clerk in 1978, aged just 16, before applying to join the party at 18. Zhang even served as a CCP representative in the 12th and 13th National People's Congress from 2013-2023. How very interesting… Ministers are of course able to block any investment into the UK under the 2021 National Security and Investment Act of 2021 and the government has stopped Chinese investment in the past over 'national security risks'. In 2022, the government halted the takeover of the UK's largest producer of semi-conductors by Nexperia, a Chinese-owned manufacturer. And Miliband's dilemma comes just months after Chinese company Jingye came under fire over its steel production plant in Scunthorpe in April, when it threatened to turn off the blast furnaces. While Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds suggested 'neglect' could have been the issue, reports at the time saw government officials pushing the theory that there had been a 'plot to sabotage' the British Steel plant. Tensions heightened when China snubbed a major 60-country UK summit on energy security the following week. So why is Miliband taking so long to make up his mind? Well, the Energy Secretary has remarked before that the foreign power is integral for global climate action. 'It is simply an act of negligence…not to engage China on how it can play its part in taking action on climate,' Miliband said in March following his trip to Beijing for the UK's first formal climate talks with China since 2017. During his visit, Miliband met the Chinese vice premier Ding Xuexiang as well as the head of the country's National Energy Administration, Wang Hongzhi, and is said to have pointed to 'mutually beneficial results' of cooperation, including in the offshore wind sector. But all that considered, there remain rather concerning questions of national security. For their part, a government spokesperson told Steerpike: '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.' Whatever – and whenever – will Miliband decide? The clock is ticking…
Scotsman
04-07-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
ScotWind: Mingyang Smart Energy wind power project creates double-edged dilemma over security
Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... When the West of Orkney Wind Farm received planning permission from the Scottish Government last month, it was a rare bright spot for a sector that's been bruised by global economic headwinds and domestic regulatory uncertainty for over a year. The decision marks a key step forward in the project's plan for 125 wind turbines to be fixed to the seabed about 30 kilometres west of the Orkney mainland, allowing the generation of enough electricity to power two million homes. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It also makes West of Orkney the first of 20 wind farms – collectively known as ScotWind – to be given such consent since Crown Estate Scotland awarded options to develop seabed acreage in the North Sea in 2022. The granting of onshore consent is a significant planning milestone for the Muir Mhòr Offshore Wind Farm project. Yet while the decision will be welcomed by the project's backers – TotalEnergies of France, Renewables Infrastructure Development Group of the UK, and Corio Generation, part of Australia's Macquarie – the mood among most of the other ScotWind developers is anxious. That's because, a thousand miles away in London, consent of a different kind is pending that has greater consequences for the future of ScotWind. Westminster has for months been grappling with whether to allow a Chinese wind turbine manufacturer, Mingyang Smart Energy, to build a wind turbine blade factory in the Inverness area. The deliberations have widened to whether the Chinese company's kit should be used in the UK's offshore wind supply chain at all. The case in favour is economically compelling. Mingyang, like many businesses in China's green tech juggernaut, produces turbines more cheaply than its European rivals. Mingyang's factory would also create hundreds of green jobs in the North-east of Scotland. Small wonder that Holyrood has earmarked £30 million for the project. The investment from Mingyang would be around £120m, attractive for Labour as it tries to attract foreign investment. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The case against boils down to two issues: perceived security threats to the UK's critical national energy infrastructure and supply chain dependency. An aerial view shows wind turbine blades stored on the quayside ready for shipping at the Siemens Gamesa blade factory in Hull. Picture: Paul Ellis/AFP via Getty Images Concerns have been raised by MPs including Andrew Bowie, Nick Timothy, Christine Jardine and Harriet Cross that because the operational software embedded in a turbine remains in the control of the manufacturer after installation, the risk exists that a wind farm using Chinese turbines could be switched off, causing damage to downstream transmission and grid. Cyber espionage is another worry. Germany has already raised a red flag. A paper commissioned from the German Institute for Defence and Strategic Studies by the country's defence ministry this year said that the Waterkant wind farm off the German coast should not go ahead on the grounds of public safety, citing planned use of Chinese wind turbines. For anyone who still thinks this is far-fetched, it's worth reading two recently published government policy documents that lay out the stark geopolitical reality of our times. China is assessed in the Strategic Defence Review as a 'sophisticated and persistent challenge', while the National Security Strategy says: 'Economic coercion will become more common as other states weaponise trade or use export controls and supply chain dependencies to gain advantage." Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Dependency stems from the fact that more than 60 per cent of ScotWind's wind farms are designed to be floating units in deep waters, unlike the fixed bottom technology used by West of Orkney. Mingyang specialises in floating turbines. The only other manufacturers in the game, Vestas and Siemens-Gamesa, are too financially constrained to develop floating turbines at scale any time soon. They are also busy fulfilling existing orders for fixed-bottom projects. This means that, without Mingyang, much of ScotWind is less likely to materialise, jeopardising the UK's overall offshore wind targets. The government now finds itself on the horns of a geopolitical dilemma. Sir Keir Starmer, on whose desk the Mingyang decision likely now sits, must now navigate between the White House's antipathy towards wind power – expressed yesterday in the gutting of Biden-era tax credits for wind and solar in Trump's 'big beautiful bill' – and China's desire to expand its wind power champions in Europe. Tension flared last month when China's embassy in London slammed as 'groundless' any 'so-called security concerns' over the use of Chinese wind equipment in the UK's energy infrastructure. This came after a report that Washington had warned London about national security risks associated with allowing Mingyang to build a plant in the UK. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The dilemma is complicated by the fact that another Scottish offshore wind project, Green Volt, backed by Eni of Italy and Tokyo Electric Power Company, reportedly intends to use Mingyang turbines. It was the only successful bidder from Scotland at the last government auction that allocates offtake prices, meaning it is well advanced. Allowing Mingyang in with technical and legal safeguards would be one option. Another would be to incentivise Vestas and Siemens-Gamesa to ramp up floating wind turbine technology, providing more flexibility to developers. I understand one measure under consideration is sweetening the terms of the next auction to make it more viable to incorporate Siemens-Gamesa turbines in project plans. Germany might also look at channelling some of the up to €1 trillion recently approved as part of relaxing the 'debt brake' to upgrade its military and infrastructure for its own offshore wind champion, Siemens-Gamesa.
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.
