Scottish officials are facing criticism for allegedly downplaying national security concerns related to a controversial wind turbine project proposed by Chinese firm Ming Yang. First Minister John Swinney has urged the UK government to reconsider its decision to block the development at Ardersier, near Inverness, a move that was made in March due to national security risks.
Swinney's administration has accused Westminster of being "anti-Scottish" for stopping the £1.5 billion project. However, Energy Minister Stephen Gethins defended Swinney's call for reconsideration, suggesting that a "profound threat" would be necessary to justify blocking the project. He also noted that China is permitted to invest elsewhere in the UK and implied that security briefing documents did not convince Swinney to abandon the proposal.
Experts have expressed strong reservations about the SNP's stance, with some calling it "enormously naïve." Ian Williams, an author and former Asian correspondent, warned of the risks of espionage and sabotage to Britain's electricity grid if the project proceeds. He criticized Gethins' comments, stating that European partners are increasingly wary of Chinese technology due to cybersecurity concerns, citing a large German project that recently rejected Ming Yang.
Williams highlighted that Chinese firms have been actively lobbying the Scottish government and pointed to extensive contacts between Scottish ministers and the company. He described the potential risks of espionage, surveillance, and sabotage as "enormous," particularly with smart, interconnected devices, and warned against handing over control of a decarbonized grid to the Chinese Communist Party.
Despite the concerns, Gethins emphasized the importance of the 1,500 jobs the project could create in the Highlands. He stated that while national security is of "paramount importance," the job losses would have a "massive impact." He also mentioned that as Energy Minister, he does not see the security advice directly but indicated that such decisions typically require something "pretty profound."
Conservative MP Andrew Bowie criticized the SNP, urging them to "stop playing party politics" and listen to experts. He accused Swinney and Gethins of being desperate for a UK Labour government U-turn and seeking "quick headlines," which he argued is the opposite of the approach needed when serious reservations about Chinese involvement exist.
Ming Yang's UK chief executive, Aman Wang, expressed disappointment with the UK government's decision in March but stated the company respects the government's duty to protect national security and is prepared to meet UK requirements. He reiterated the project's potential to bring £1.5 billion in investment and up to 1,500 direct jobs, with thousands more in the supply chain.
A UK government spokesman confirmed that "national security risks" were identified as the reason for blocking the use of Ming Yang wind turbines in UK offshore wind projects after careful consideration.