Trump urges turbines rethink after ‘loss of confidence’ in wind power

DOOSAN’s decision has led to questions being raised about the viability of wind energy.

Doosan Power Systems of Korea cited “liquidity issues in Europe” and “sapping market confidence” for putting a question mark over future offshore wind projects.

Leading the charge was American tycoon Donald Trump, who has been a vocal opponent of the wind turbines that are planned for the sea off his new Aberdeenshire golf course.

In a letter to First Minister Alex Salmond released yesterday, Mr Trump said the decision showed that “wind power does not work”.

He has previously described wind turbines as “ugly monstrosities” and “horrendous machines” that could destroy tourism in Scotland.

Mr Trump’s letter said: “I have just heard that the Korean company Doosan has abandoned their investment in Scotland due to deteriorating confidence in the offshore wind market. This is one of many, as wind power does not work.”

He urged the First Minister: “Please learn something from all of this – don’t destroy your coastlines and your countryside with the monstrous turbines.

“Your country will become a third-world wasteland that global investors will avoid.”

Murdo Fraser, the Conservative MSP who is convener of the Holyrood committee currently looking at renewables, said: “Alex Salmond’s economic case for independence has been built on his belief that we can have a world-leading renewable energy industry.

“The fact that Doosan has pulled out is another sign that there is a lack of market confidence in this vision.

“We are seeing a loss of investor confidence in renewable energy more generally and, more particularly, wind power.”

A spokesman for the Scottish Government said: “Clearly, we want as many manufacturers as possible to establish offshore renewables operations in Scotland, but not every energy company can be involved in offshore wind.”