Chinese wind turbine manufacturer Mingyang Smart Energy is exploring locations in Europe, including Spain, for a new production facility after the UK government withdrew support for the company’s planned Scottish factory due to national security concerns, Reuters reported.
The company halted plans for the GBP 1.5 billion (approx. EUR 1.7 billion) Scottish facility after the UK government, in March, decided against using Mingyang’s turbines in offshore wind projects domestically.
In a statement, Mingyang expressed that the decision was “a missed opportunity for the UK to benefit from increased competition in a capacity-constrained global turbine market”. The company highlighted its cost-effective technology and 18.5 MW turbine platform, claiming no direct European alternative. Addressing security concerns, Mingyang stated it is not state-controlled, with listings in Shanghai and London, and has developed “a comprehensive technological and commercial solution to address the main national security challenge: data and cybersecurity.”
After altering UK plans, Mingyang has engaged in talks with the Spanish government and is considering other European sites for a turbine manufacturing facility, as reported by Reuters.
Mingyang’s wind turbines were originally planned for the Green Volt floating wind project in Scotland, where it was the preferred turbine supplier. In 2024, the company was also named a preferred supplier for the Waterkant project in Germany, intending to use its 18.5 MW turbines.
Both projects have since opted out of using Mingyang’s technology, with the 300 MW Waterkant project’s developer switching to Siemens Gamesa turbines.
The proposed manufacturing plant at the Port of Nigg, Scotland, was expected to produce MySE 18.X-28X offshore wind turbines for European ventures.
The 18+ MW model is still slated for use by Italian developer Renexia on its proposed 2.8 GW Med Wind floating wind farm.
Renexia has implemented Mingyang technology on Italy’s first offshore wind farm, Taranto (Beleolico).
Additionally, in 2024, Renexia and Mingyang secured support from the government when the two companies signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy (MIMIT) for the production of Mingyang wind turbines in Italy and the 18.8 MW model’s supply for Renexia’s Med Wind project.
Original Story at www.offshorewind.biz