Chinese energy company Ming Yang has announced plans to build a £1.5 billion wind turbine manufacturing facility in Scotland, supporting the creation of 1,500 new jobs.

Several sites have been shortlisted for construction, with the green freeport site at Ardersier near Inverness the energy firm’s preferred location so far, and already the site for major development by Cerulean Winds. 

The first phase of Ming Yang’s build, which would create the UK’s largest wind turbine manufacturing facility, will see the company invest up to £750 million for an advanced manufacturing facility for wind turbine nacelles and blades, with production beginning in 2028.

The Chinese firm, which claims to be behind 31% of newly added offshore wind capacity globally last year, said it will later expand this facility and infrastructure into a hub for the wind industry, supporting the deployment of floating offshore technology at scale.

“As a global leader in wind technology, Ming Yang is committed to accelerating the global energy transition through innovation and community-focused comprehensive energy solutions. We are excited by the prospect of investing in the UK and look forward to finalising our investment decision,” said Zhang Chuanwei, founder and chairman of the Ming Yang Group.

The announcement follows two years of negotiations with both the UK and Scottish Governments, as well as extensive discussions with Great British Energy, the National Wealth Fund, the Scottish National Investment Bank, the Crown Estate and UK Export Finance.

Ming Yang has been considering Scotland as a potential investment site for some years, an ambition the new Labour government has been keen to act on, with the then minister for investment, Poppy Gustafsson, meeting the manufacturer during a state visit to China late last year.

However, the plans have caused considerable controversy, particularly on national security grounds.

In November, Conservative MP Nick Timothy told energy minister Michael Shanks that the UK should rule out investment from ‘hostile states’ in critical energy infrastructure, with Timothy’s website citing ‘serious energy security risks’ around Ming Yang’s plans.

Likewise, former MI6 chief Sir Richard Dearlove told the Times that the presence of Chinese energy firms in the UK’s supply chain presented a significant threat, a fear reiterated even by the US Government, which warned this summer that Ming Yang’s plans could threaten UK energy security and intellectual property.

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Commenting on the announcement, a UK Government spokesperson told the BBC  that “any decisions made will be consistent with our national security.”

Meanwhile, the Scottish Government welcomed the news, saying: “This illustrates the strength of opportunity and huge economic potential that the Scottish offshore wind sector offers.

“We recognise that Ming Yang’s investment is subject to a decision from the UK government and look forward to the outcome of that process.”