Investment boost for proposed offshore windfarm near Aberdeen

The European Commission is considering investing 40 million Euros in a proposed offshore windfarm near Aberdeen.

The proposed windfarm might involve 23 turbines stretching about three miles from the Bridge of Don to Blackdog beach.

Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group chairman Jeremy Cresswell said: "This is great news for Aberdeen and Scotland.

"Being considered for European funding on this scale for an energy project is a fabulous opportunity for this region. This is something we can ill-afford to miss out on and all the stakeholders need to work together to deliver the project and secure the significant and sustainable economic benefits that will follow."

The Aberdeen windfarm project,jointly managed by Swedish utility company Vattenfall and AREG, is also trying to gain demonstrator status from the Crown Estate.

Professor Peter Robertson, Vice-Principal and Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Commercialisation) at Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, and a Director of AREG commented: "The announcement of European investment in the Aberdeen Offshore Wind Test Centre represents a fantastic opportunity for moving the renewable energy agenda forward on a European level.

"This investment is an acknowledgement of the significant leadership and contribution made by AREG with respect to renewable energy development in general, but specifically in regard to offshore wind energy and the proposed windfarm. The multi-disciplinary partnership within AREG, comprising local government, industry and academia, has enabled Aberdeen City and Shire to be recognised as leaders in renewable energy activity on not just a national, but also an international level."

An offshore wind farm would be fantastic news for Britain, reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Let us hope the European Commission does invest in this worthy project.