Trumped on windfarm appeal
It’s not often that ‘Maritime Journal’ gets to comment on such world news as US presidential candidates, but Scottish offshore wind made the international headlines today, due to Donald Trump, the leading Republican candidate for the US presidency losing a court appeal over permission for an offshore windfarm.
The development in question is the 11 turbine Aberdeen Offshore Windfarm, which is due to be developed within sight of Mr Trump’s Menie Golf Resort in Aberdeenshire. Trump, who’s mother is Scottish, bought the land and began developing the golf course in 2006.
Energy and planning partner at London legal firm Pinsent Masons, Gary McGovern, summed up the prevailing feelings of the UK renewables industry with: “Donald Trump will be hoping he has more success at the US ballot box than he does in the Courts.
“Today’s decision is long overdue but is still a welcome shot in the arm for offshore wind and the wider UK renewables industry. In pursuing a weak argument described previously in the Court of Session as “fallacious”, this case has perpetuated a lingering doubt over longstanding legal principles, and that has been to the detriment of the whole energy industry.
“Developers will therefore breathe a sigh of relief and it is hoped that this and other projects affected can now gather pace, without the threat of costly legal challenges and delays on similarly dubious grounds hanging over them.
“Against the backdrop of the climate change agreement reached in Paris at the weekend and the contribution that renewable energy is expected to make a contribution to binding climate targets, this ruling underscores the need for a fair and efficient legal process which deals with unmeritorious claims quickly.”
By Jake Frith
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