November 1, 2011
Scotland

RSPB Scotland objection to Aberdeen offshore wind farm

BBC News, www.bbc.co.uk 1 November 2011

RSPB Scotland has objected to proposals for an offshore wind farm near Aberdeen.

A planning application for an 11-turbine wind farm off Aberdeen Bay, 2km (1.2 miles) from his golf course, was submitted to Marine Scotland in August.

US billionaire Donald Trump has already complained about the wind farm plans affecting his golf resort north of Aberdeen.

RSPB Scotland said the area was home to seabirds and rarer species.

Ian Francis, RSPB Scotland area manager for north east Scotland, said: “From an early stage, we have held many discussions with the developers, and we acknowledge the efforts they have made to reduce its scale and change the layout of the turbines, which has helped.

“However, more planning, research and monitoring is needed to ensure we truly understand the impact this site may have on local birds.

“The bay is an important area of many species. Since this is a European funded test centre, it is crucial that a thorough research programme is developed to help understand how this and the many forthcoming offshore wind farms can reduce their impacts on birds and other marine wildlife.”
Testing ground

The European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre is a £150m joint venture by utility company Vattenfall, engineering firm Technip and Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group.

It is six years since the idea of a wind farm in the waters off Aberdeen was first mooted.

The marine consortium applying to build the wind farm has said the 11 next-generation wind turbines would be constructed as a testing ground for future developments.

It is expected it would create jobs and economic benefit by attracting scientists, researchers, engineers, offshore wind supply chain companies.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/11/01/rspb-scotland-objection-to-aberdeen-offshore-wind-farm/