August 7, 2012
Scotland

Trump row turbines could be changed

icrenfrewshire.icnetwork.co.uk 7 August 2012

Wind turbines planned for an offshore test centre within view of Donald Trump’s Scottish golf course could be altered under changes lodged by developers.

The height of some turbines off the North Sea coast near Aberdeen would increase to just short of 200 metres.

Mr Trump has previously said he will pull the plug on his own controversial plans to finish his proposed resort with a large hotel, holiday homes and a residential village if the wind farm goes ahead.

The partner firms behind the £230 million 11-turbine European Offshore Wind Development Centre said the altered plans were submitted to make sure Scotland does not miss out on an opportunity “to lead the world”.

Project spokesman Iain Todd said: “When we started talking to potential turbine manufacturers around 12 months ago, more than a dozen international suppliers expressed an interest in deploying off Aberdeen. Recent discussions have led to six working agreements being signed.

“In keeping with the demonstrator concept we decided to make minor adjustments to the project dimensions to accommodate the tallest of these turbines in the event that we procure them.

“We are confident that our careful design results in a barely perceptible increase in visual and environmental effects.”

The maximum height would increase by 3.5 metres to 198.5 metres and increase the maximum radius of the turbine blades by up to 11 metres. These turbines would be placed furthest from shore. Closer to shore, the maximum height would decrease from 195 metres to 180.5 metres.

The partners created new images of what the development would look like from Mr Trump’s golf resort, Murcar Links Golf Course and Royal Aberdeen Golf Course.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/08/07/trump-row-turbines-could-be-changed/