This post is also available in:
עברית (Hebrew)
The British intelligence community is reportedly investigating China’s expanding role in the country’s green technology sector, raising concerns about national security and Beijing’s influence over critical infrastructure. The investigation, which will be part of a broader review of the UK-China relations set to be published later in 2025, focuses on China’s potential access to sensitive information and its influence over key assets such as energy production and defense systems.
One particular area of concern is the growing involvement of Chinese suppliers in the UK’s green energy projects. The planned Green Volt offshore wind farm, located in Scottish waters, has drawn attention due to its potential collaboration with Mingyang, a Chinese company shortlisted to supply wind turbine hardware. While Mingyang is officially a private company, its possible ties to the Chinese government have raised fears about possible espionage and the potential for Beijing to gain access to sensitive data, such as Royal Navy submarine locations and maritime activity.
Ken McCallum, the director-general of MI5, confirmed that the investigation is being led by the UK’s National Protective Security Authority, which monitors technical threats and supply chain vulnerabilities. ” We’re undergoing rigorous processes to examine China’s role in our supply chain and investment in critical infrastructure . . . We are taking into account national security considerations,” Energy Minister Kerry McCarthy stated. There are worries that Chinese-made equipment could be embedded with spy sensors, potentially allowing China to monitor British waters, defense programs, and energy infrastructure.
Despite the concerns, the developers of Green Volt—Norwegian-Italian firm Vargronn and Japan’s Flotation Energy—have denied choosing Mingyang as a turbine supplier. Green Volt stressed that it is still evaluating potential supply chain partners and would comply with government regulations on critical infrastructure security.
With China dominating the global renewables market, becoming reliant on Chinese suppliers for maintenance and software updates could open the door to foreign interference. This investigation highlights the delicate balance between technological progress and national security.
