Chinese OEM Mingyang Smart Energy plans to build the UK’s largest wind turbine manufacturing facility in Scotland. It is also pressing ahead with plans for truly massive floating wind turbines.
In Scotland, the three-phase project would see Mingyang invest up to GBP1.5 billion (USD2 billion) in a new wind turbine factory for offshore wind energy projects to serve European and other non-Asian markets. A number of sites in Scotland have been shortlisted, with Ardersier port near Inverness the current preferred location.
Phase one includes investment of up to GBP750 million (USD1 billion) to create an advanced manufacturing facility for both wind turbine nacelles and blades with first production expected by late 2028. The second phase will expand the facility and infrastructure to serve the deployment of floating offshore technology at scale in the UK. The final stage of development would cover development of an offshore wind industry ecosystem around the hub, which includes manufacturing of control systems, electronics and other key components.
Mingyang said it has held extensive discussions with the UK and Scottish governments over the last two years on its plans as well as holding detailed commercial discussions with Great British Energy, the National Wealth Fund, the Scottish National Investment Bank, the Crown Estate and UK Export Finance. The investment plans are still subject to final approval.
Mingyang is a leader in large-scale offshore wind technology, including its 16.6 MW Ocean X dual-rotor floating turbine platform. And it is not stopping there — Recharge reported on October 21 that the manufacturer is developing a 24.5 MW floating unit, with plans also under way for a huge 50 MW twin-head model.
Naturally, turbines of this scale – and their corresponding foundations – will pose major challenges for the heavy lift and project logistics sector. Current state-of-the-art wind turbine installation vessels are designed to handle units of up to around 20 MW. Whether the relentless pursuit of ever-larger turbines proves visionary or futile remains to be seen.
