Donald Trump continues to oppose Scotland’s Offshore Windfarms

Renewable and sustainable energy sources are becoming increasingly popular as more people become aware of their advantages and benefits to the environment. Further wind energy projects are proposed for Scotland, however one particular location that may soon feature 11 wind turbines is being criticised by American businessman, Donald Trump. The Scottish government refused to comment on Trump's criticism's, but Alex Salmond, Scotland's first minister, who is for these plans responded by saying that once the renewable energy plant is up and running, more jobs will be created and even Donald Trump will be on board. The reason behind this opposition for the offshore windfarm is that it is located nearby to his championship golf course in Aberdeenshire, and he believes it will ruin the views. Trump wrote to Salmond claiming the windfarms will destroy the coastline of Scotland with his new plans, and no work would take place on the project until ministers meet a decision. Trump‘s own development plans are worth $1.2 billion, which will see him complete his first golf course, a second 18-hole course, a luxury 5* hotel and holiday homes, which will create 7,000 jobs, but these have been put on hold until the windfarm project is rejected. In one interview, Trump says: "I have read your recent statements concerning so called 'wind power'. For the record, taxing your citizens to subsidise wind projects owned by foreign energy companies will destroy your country and its economy. Jobs will not be created in Scotland because these ugly monstrosities known as turbines are manufactured in other countries such as China." The Scotland Daily Record reported that it is not only the Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group involved in the project, but also Swedish utility company Vattenfall and engineering firm Technip. However the windfarms are not meant as a short-term fix, so jobs will be available on an ongoing basis for Scottish residents. Talks have taken place since the criticisms by Trump were publicised, but surely there is no reason why the two developments cannot exist side by side. Wind farms have improved economies significantly and are helping to develop a much greener environment and as already mentioned provide more jobs across the country. The government is considering the views of other parties before making any decision on the 11-turbine project at Aberdeen Bay. People oppose offshore windfarms for a variety of reasons, but Salmond believes that even Donald Trump can be won over by the benefits of this renewable and sustainable energy source. It is key that we remember the potential wind energy available off the Scottish coast. A research project has found that just by using a third of the practical resources offshore, by 2050 Scotland should be able to generate enough electricity to power the country seven times over. RenewableUK who are working on developing windfarms on the Scotland coastline have studied the effect that these developments will have on tourism. So far their results have shown that there will be no effect. They don't believe Trump's concerns to be merited, as the windfarm will not directly affect his golf course other than the view that he feels will be ruined. Are the offshore windfarms an eyesore or something that we need to get used to? Donald Trump refers to them as being like the bars of a prison, and you do wonder if he should have to look at this following a long running battle between himself, local residents, councilors and environmental groups when he first took over the area of land where legally protected rare dunes are situated. Some claim that the wind farm is an excuse for Trump to cut and run, but in recent news it would seem that he is more determined than ever to stop the project. Trump had said from the beginning that he would be launching an international campaign against the Scottish wind energy plans. According to Trump's son, he is willing to spend more than £10 million campaigning against the offshore windfarm. A decision by the authorities is expected later this year as to whether the plans will go ahead to build the windfarm. Do you think that Trump is missing the bigger picture of these plans and how they intend to save Scotland by creating a greener environment by not compromising on aesthetics? The Scottish government plan to create a national database of survey data, and from this prioritise early work to identify potential sites for test facilities for deep-water offshore technologies, which could provide a solution somewhere down the line. Willie Rennie, the Scottish Liberal Democrat leader, has said that Trump will not change their minds on the windfarm project. He believes Scotland to be working with the elements to their advantage in order to tackle climate change and provide a greener solution. However, other countries have found that the turbines have needed to be replaced after 5years due to the harsh environments in which they are located. When these replacements are needed, who will pick up the bill? There are many questions posed for and against the wind turbines, but we need to consider our options to ensure that the Earth is given the best chance to prosper. What do you think to Donald Trump's reasons for opposing the wind farm project, and how do you see this technology developing? KTR Couplings are a leading manufacturer and supplier of flexible couplings, gear couplings, power transmission couplings and brake systems. Please get in touch if you would like a free consultation or any further information on any of our products.

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