Octopus Energy, a British company, partners with a Chinese wind turbine manufacturer

Octopus Energy, Britain's biggest electricity supplier, has signed a contract with Chinese wind turbine maker Ming Yang Smart Energy. This could lead to the installation of the first Chinese-made turbines in Britain.

The UK is trying to increase its renewable energy to meet climate targets, but it is also struggling with rising project costs as well as high electricity prices.

The companies will explore the use of Ming Yang Smart Energy technology in Octopus Energy’s plans to develop 6 gigawatts through its Winder initiative. This initiative matches project developers with communities who would like to build wind farms.

In a press release, Zoisa Nord-Bond said that Octopus Energy Generation's CEO, Zoisa North Bond, had stated, "By combining Octopus Energy Generation's expertise in smart technologies and software with outstanding turbines, we are able to optimise every kilowatt, and reduce energy costs for millions."

In response to concerns from the industry that imports at lower prices could be a threat to the competitiveness and profitability of European companies, the European Commission launched an investigation into Chinese turbine manufacturers last year.

Ming Yang Smart Energy had been contracted to provide turbines for the 300-megawatt Waterkant Wind Farm in Germany, according to a contract announced last year. However, Hamburg-based Luxcara revealed last month that it has chosen Siemens Gamesa instead, a German subsidiary of Siemens Energy.

Ed Miliband, the British Energy minister, visited China in early this year to discuss energy and climate issues. He has stated that it would be negligent not to engage China on climate issues. (Reporting and editing by Susanna Fenton; Reporting by Susanna Tridale)

(source: Reuters)