April 14, 2012
Scotland

Wind power plea to US tycoon Trump

Press Association, www.fifetoday.co.uk 13 April 2012

The chief executive of Scottish Renewables has invited US tycoon Donald Trump to invest in wind power, despite his scathing views on the sector.

Mr Trump has been campaigning against the creation of an 11-turbine offshore wind farm near his golf resort near Balmedie, north of Aberdeen.

An application for the development was submitted to Marine Scotland last summer and a decision is expected to be made later this year and Mr Trump has halted work on his resort until a decision is made by the Scottish Government.

He is scheduled to appear before Holyrood’s Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee on April 25 as part of its inquiry into whether the Scottish Government’s renewable energy targets are achievable.

Mr Trump has previously described wind turbines as “ugly monstrosities” and “horrendous machines” that could destroy tourism in the country.

Despite his obvious opposition to wind power, Scottish Renewables chief executive Niall Stuart has written to the American businessman inviting him to invest in the industry.

He said: “Despite the attacks from the Trump Organisation on wind power generally, we are very confident about the future for our industry, both at home and abroad.

“Indeed, we would very much like to invite you and your colleagues to meet with some of our members and to consider the opportunity of investing in and being part of the success of Scotland’s renewable energy sector, which is now key part of our energy mix and an increasingly important part of our economy.

“I look forward to your reply.”

Mr Trump launched an attack on First Minister Alex Salmond last month, and said he risks becoming known as “Mad Alex – the man who destroyed Scotland” if the wind farm plans are approved.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/04/14/wind-power-plea-to-us-tycoon-trump/