Aberdeen City Council has taken over the running of the controversial windfarm project which bunkered Donald Trump’s golf resort.
Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group (Areg) – a public private partnership which included the local authority – announced plans to restructure yesterday.
The review will see economic development projects, including the 11 turbines planned for Aberdeen Bay, handed over to the council.
Two of its key board members have also announced plans to step down as the group refocuses its attention on developing the north-east supply chain for renewable energy.
Property developer Mr Trump axed plans for a luxury hotel and second course at Menie Estate after the Scottish Government backed the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre (EOWDC).
But the green energy project has been beset by problems since it was granted consent.
Plans for a substation at Blackdog – crucial for bringing power ashore – were rejected by Aberdeenshire Council.
And Vattenfall, Areg’s partner in the project, announced last year that it was looking to sell its 75% share.
Last night, the Trump Organisation called on the council to dump the project, which they maintain will destroy views from the championship links.
“The city council should come clean and be honest with the public by admitting that the EOWDC proposal is officially dead,” said George Sorial, executive vice-president.
“Any remaining applications or legal actions should be immediately withdrawn before any more public money is wasted.”
But Jean Morrison, vice-convener of the council’s housing and environment committee, said the administration will be “keen for it to go ahead”.
Mr Sorial also said the departure of Areg chairman Jeremy Cresswell and project champion Iain Todd from the board were “further evidence” of the demise of the EOWDC project. Mr Todd will continue as a spokesman for the wind project, however.
Areg will continue to operate as a company, but the council will bring its economic development activities in-house.
Areg is also opening up membership to organisations outwith the Aberdeen area. Orkney Islands Council has signed up.
A new board will be formed, while an additional advisory board is being established.
Timeline: Rocky path for European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre
August 2010: Plans for the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre (EOWDC) are backed by the Crown Estate.
December 2010: Donald Trump pledges to fight the scheme which would be visible from his golf course at Menie.
May 2011: Planning application for EOWDC is lodged with Scottish Government agency Marine Scotland.
September 2011: Mr Trump urges Alex Salmond to intervene, claiming it will damage investment in Scotland.
March 2012: Mr Trump calls for the windfarm to be moved 30 miles north to St Fergus, near Peterhead.
August 2012: EOWDC backers announce they want to increase the height of turbines, while lawyers acting for Mr Trump demand a public inquiry into the plans.
March 2013: Energy Minister Fergus Ewing grants planning permission for the project.
April 2013: Villagers in Blackdog object to onshore electricity substation.
May 2013: Drilling work for the development begins, but Vattenfall puts its majority 75 percent stake up for sale.
October 2013: Plans for the Blackdog substation rejected.
December 2013: Vattenfall and Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group (Areg) announce the EOWDC is being pushed back by two years.
January 2014: EOWDC backers appeal against the council decision on the substation plans.
February 2014: Trump announces he will put a huge chunk of his north-east estate up for sale and has abandoned plans to bring a major golf tournament to the area because of the EOWDC.
