UK: Crown Estate Defends Offshore Wind Farm Projects

The new chief executive of the Crown Estate, Alison Nimmo, has insisted it is the right organisation to develop Britain’s offshore energy interests, reported the Telegraph.

The Crown Estate is overseeing the development of wind farms and offshore gas storage facilities inScotland, and it has already invested GBP 200 million into renewable energy projects.

Ms Nimmo said that the organisation had built an outstanding team in offshore energy and will reach a balance between commercial exploitation and long-term stewardship.

Westminster’s Scottish Affairs Committee states in a report that the Crown Estate is not operating with full responsibility and transparency in Scotland and calls for it to be devolved.

“We think having a UK-wide organisation that can take an overall view and bring a level of expertise is very important,” Alison Nimmo commented to the Telegraph.

“This is a world class industry. It is really important that we get behind it as an industry and continue to be at forefront of the world.”

The construction of wind farms on Crown Estate land has also been questioned because Prince Phillip and Prince Charles have expressed scepticism over wind farms. Though Prince Philip’s comments were targeted at onshore turbines, he has labelled the wind industry as “a disgrace”.

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Offshore WIND staff, May 4, 2012