"The agreement was hailed by Octopus as a "groundbreaking partnership" that could deliver cheap, clean energy and lower household bills. Yet Conservative MPs, alongside US officials, have raised concerns that integrating Chinese technology into the UK grid could expose the country to strategic vulnerabilities. Nick Timothy, shadow energy minister, described the move as "reckless and an unacceptable risk", warning it could give Beijing indirect influence over UK power generation."
"Octopus said it was committed to addressing security concerns, pledging to pair Ming Yang's hardware with UK-developed software safeguards to ensure "the highest levels of data protection and cybersecurity". Ministers retain the power to block the deal under the National Security and Investment Act, with officials insisting all Chinese participation in energy supply chains is subject to rigorous review."
Octopus Energy partnered with Chinese turbine maker Ming Yang to develop up to 6 gigawatts of offshore and onshore wind capacity, potentially the first deployment of Chinese-built turbines in the UK. Octopus framed the deal as delivering cheap, clean energy and lowering household bills. Conservative MPs and US officials warned that integrating Chinese technology into the grid could create strategic vulnerabilities and give Beijing indirect influence over power generation. Ming Yang previously signed a 2021 memorandum for a blade plant in Scotland and has attracted scrutiny despite private ownership. Octopus pledged UK-developed software safeguards and stronger cybersecurity. Ministers can block the deal under the National Security and Investment Act, and officials said Chinese participation in energy supply chains will face rigorous review. The situation underscores the tension between decarbonisation goals and geopolitical security risks.
Read at Business Matters
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