‘Highest level’ of security given to wind farms, No 10 says, amid China worries Wind farms are subject to the “highest levels of national security”, Downing Street has stressed, amid reports ministers could sign off on Chinese involvement in a major North Sea project.
Asked whether allowing Chinese involvement in the project was a risk to national security, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “Investment in the energy sector is subject to the highest levels of national security.
Treasury ministers are said to have overruled objections from the Ministry of Defence and others about the involvement of a Chinese firm in the Green Volt North Sea wind farm, according to the Sun newspaper.
The move to allow Chinese involvement in the project comes as ministers seek to build a warmer relationship with Beijing in order to drive Chinese investment into the UK as part of their growth agenda.
Among the concerns raised by Government departments was that the Chinese state could switch off the power once the wind farm is operational, or that the platforms could be used as spy sensors, according to the Sun.
