Ming Yang Smart Energy has announced plans to establish a wind turbine manufacturing facility in Scotland. Several sites have been shortlisted, with Ardersier Port near Inverness currently identified as the preferred location.
The proposed three-phase development represents an investment of up to £1.5 billion to build a new offshore and floating wind turbine factory for the UK market and for export. The project could create up to 1,500 jobs in the first phase, with an additional 1,500 positions expected in later stages. The combined strategy aims to develop an offshore wind hub serving the UK, Europe and other non-Asian markets.
Phase one involves investing up to £750 million to build a manufacturing facility for turbine nacelles and blades, with first production expected by late 2028. Phase two would expand the site and supporting infrastructure to enable large-scale deployment of floating wind technology. Phase three focuses on establishing an industrial cluster around the hub, including production of control systems, electronics and other components.
Ming Yang has held discussions with the UK and Scottish Governments over the past two years, alongside talks with Great British Energy, the National Wealth Fund, the Scottish National Investment Bank, the Crown Estate and UK Export Finance. The investment remains subject to final approval from the UK Government and forms part of a wider European strategy exploring additional locations.
