April 23, 2012
Scotland

MoD cites threat to national security

The Press and Journal, 23 April 2012

The Ministry of Defence has lodged an objection to a plan for a windfarm beside Donald Trump’s golf resort in Aberdeenshire – saying it could pose a threat to national security.

The Scottish Government has confirmed a submission has been received in relation to the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre (EOWDC), an 11-turbine development near Aberdeen Bay.

An MoD spokesman said last night that the objection related to concerns the spinning turbine blades could interfere with radar equipment at RAF Buchan, near Peterhead.

Mr Trump said it was unbelievable to think the government would approve an application the military said could compromise the country’s ability to defend itself.

He added: “Defence is more important than anything.”

The MoD has already said that clusters of wind turbines in parts of rural Aberdeenshire could cause interference.

The MoD spokesman said: “The area of concern is RAF Buchan and the radar there is necessary for air defence – used for detecting aircraft entering the UK airspace. Windfarms, and the spinning of the turbine blades, can affect military radar.”

He added MoD officials have been working to create windfarm “friendly” radar which was not affected by spinning blades.

Because of the huge costs of replacing radar equipment only two or three had been installed, in “test areas”, however.

The EOWDC is a £200million joint venture by utility company Vattenfall, engineering firm Technip and Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group.

Last night, Vattenfall spokesman David Rodger said the project partners were working to address any outstanding concerns about the project.

He said they “note and take seriously” all comments about the EOWDC plan.

Aberdeen Airport owner BAA has raised concerns about the possible impact of the windfarm and National Air Traffic Services is also objecting, because of fears about radar interference.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/04/23/mod-cites-threat-to-national-security/