‘Donald Trump turbines’ off Aberdeen could get bigger  

Credit:  BBC News | www.bbc.co.uk 6 August 2012 ~~

The consortium behind plans for an 11 turbine wind farm off Donald Trump’s Aberdeenshire golf course has said it wants to make them even bigger.

The original proposals were strongly opposed by Mr Trump, whose Menie golf course looks right on to the site.

He claimed the turbines would spoil the sea views for golfers on the course.

The European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre now wants to increase the size of the turbines by up to 3.5m.

That would take them to a height of 198.5m. Proposals have also been submitted to increase the radius of blades by up to 11m.

A planning application for the wind farm off Aberdeen Bay, 1.2 miles from Mr Trump’s golf course, was submitted to Marine Scotland in August of last year.

The £230m project is a joint venture by utility company Vattenfall, engineering firm Technip and Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group (Areg).

EOWDC said it had signed working agreements with six potential wind turbine suppliers.

‘Jobs creation’

Project spokesman Iain Todd said: “We are confident that our careful design results in a barely perceptible increase in visual and environmental effects.

“We believe the proposed adjustment gives the scheme, Aberdeen city and shire, and Scotland the best possible chance to be genuine world leaders in offshore wind.

“It would help to attract a new wave of inward investment in plant and facilities and capture the major jobs creation that will come with this.”

Mr Trump officially unveiled his Trump International Golf Links last month.

Plans for a hotel and houses on the estate have been put on hold until a decision is made on the proposed wind farm.

Responding to the revised plans, Mr Trump said: “Our position has not changed and we intend to fight this application and defeat these horrendous proposals that will ultimately destroy Scotland.”

A Scottish government spokesman said: “Every application is considered on its merits, giving due consideration to the views of stakeholders, consultees and members of the public.”