Trump Dons the Storm: Wind Turbines Meet Their Critic in Scotland
During a whirlwind tour through Scotland’s misty hills, President Donald Trump decided to give wind energy a hard time. He called the towering turbines “ugly,” “costly,” and even said they’re a threat to local wildlife.
Why the Former President is Spilling the Tea on Wind
- Ugly design: “These turbines are a giant, untidy metal spike that spoils the countryside,” Trump said.
- Costly venture: He warned that the wind’s power could upend our electric bills.
- Nature’s hazard: Trump claimed the turbines might harm birds and other wildlife.
Trump’s Wind‑mill Woes: A Quirky Scottish Trip
When the former U.S. prez bounced off the runway at Prestwick Airport this week, he could barely hide his disdain for Scotland’s giant “blowing‑muses.” “Those windmills all over the place ruin your stunning fields, scare the birds, and if you get them down in the sea, they’re tearing up the ocean,” he quipped, earning a mix of chuckles and eye‑rolls from the local press.
From Airports to Golf Greens
- Prestwick Pitch‑talk – “These turbines are the ugliest sights in Aberdeenshire!” Trump declared at his own Turnberry golf resort, where the windmills stand like misplaced scarecrows.
- Press‑Conference Pandemonium – Teaming up with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, he labeled the new trade deal a “con job” that “doesn’t work” and blasted wind power as the most epic flop ever.
- Prime‑Minister Pow‑wow – A Monday showdown with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer saw Trump call turbines “ugly monsters” and push for a return to North Sea oil instead.
History in the Making
Trump’s gripe goes way back to a 2013 legal spat over just 11 turbines at his luxury estate—an encounter that spiraled into a full‑blown court saga, ending in 2015 when the UK Supreme Court threw out the challenge. Though the court’s verdict was a win for the wind, Trump kept feeding his storm of skepticism.
So, What’s Behind the Buzz?
While he’s quick to drum up drama, real‑world data paints a different picture. Wind turbines actually generate more clean energy than the old‑fashioned, polluting fossil fuels many protestors wish to cling to. And yes, they may look ungainly at first glance, but they’re a vital part of a planet‑friendly planet. Trump’s comments? A classic pastime─rattling the noisy wind while the earth keeps turning.
Are wind turbines the ‘most expensive form of energy’?
Trump Blasts Wind Power – But the Numbers Say Else
In a surprising statement, former President Donald Trump declared that wind energy is the “worst” and “most expensive” form of power, insisting that windmills should be banned. He was apparently reacting to a UK policy that is raising the ceiling price for offshore wind contracts.
What the Numbers Really Tell Us
- Global Cost Trend. An IRENA report shows that wind power is now 53 % cheaper than the cheapest fossil‑fuel option worldwide.
- Onshore Wins. Onshore wind tops the list as the cheapest new power source.
- Price Drop. Since 2010, onshore wind costs have fallen by 56 %. That’s thanks to:
- Better technology
- Faster, more competitive supply chains
- Scaling up of manufacturing
Hold Up: Why is Trump’s Angle So Contradictory?
Trump’s sneer came after the UK government decided to hike the maximum price it will pay for offshore wind power to £113 (€130) per megawatt‑hour (MWh). This “cap” is higher than the 2024 rate of £102 (€118) and is set for an upcoming auction beginning in August.
Companies that want to build renewable projects submit bids for government‑backed contracts each year. The Secretary of Energy, Ed Miliband, is under fire for setting the bound too high. Critics say it pushes up costs rather than pushing technology.
Price Reality Check
- Current average wholesale gas price: £78 (€90) per MWh.
- Gas prices once spiked to over £170 (€196) per MWh in 2022.
- UK officials stress that the £113 cap is not the final price – companies will bid lower to win the auction.
- Last year, actual winning bids were far below the maximum set.
So, while Trump’s headline might feel like a thunderclap, the data suggests wind energy—especially onshore— is a bargain. The UK is just wiggling the auction rules to keep costs honest, and the numbers show that wind power is becoming increasingly affordable, outpacing even cheap fossil fuel lately.
Do wind turbines ‘rust and rot’ in eight years?
Wind Turbines: The 8‑Year Myth vs the 30‑Year Reality
The Trump Claim
President Trump once stated that wind turbines “start to rust and rot in eight years” and that once they do, you can’t simply shut them down, burn them, or even bury their blades because a certain fibre doesn’t mix well with the earth. That’s a sensational headline that sparks a lot of outrage, but the truth is far more nuanced.
What the Experts Say
- IRENA reports an average lifespan of around 20 to 25 years for modern wind turbines.
- Manufacturers boast that well‑maintained turbines can keep spinning for 30 years or more.
- Scottish Power launched a repowering initiative in 2023, revamping Scotland’s oldest onshore wind farm—the one that has been churning out electricity since 1998.
2025 Waste Forecast
The EU’s Joint Research Centre estimates that by 2050 wind turbine disposal could generate roughly 10 million tonnes of waste per year. But here’s the silver lining: 80‑95 percent of that material—steel, concrete, copper, and other metals—can be recycled, according to WindEurope and other industry groups.
Blade Recycling: A Tough Nut to Crack
Wind turbine blades are engineered for lightness and durability. They’re usually made of fiberglass or carbon fibre bonded with resin, a construction that makes separation—and thus recycling—quite a headache. The process is not only complex but also expensive.
Because the industry cares, solutions are emerging.
- In 2021, the European wind sector pledged to reuse, recover, or recycle 100 % of decommissioned blades and called for a ban on landfill disposal.
- Recycling technology has progressed, turning blade waste into usable components, such as cement additives.
- Blade designs are evolving to incorporate more recyclable materials, easing future recycling efforts.
- Creative upcycling projects are already in motion: Sweden’s Vattenfall uses blades in parking garages, while Ireland’s BladeBridge turns them into pedestrian bridges.
Bottom Line
While Trump’s 8‑year storm‑turbine claim can stir up headlines, the data paints a picture of resilience and longevity. Wind turbines are far from “rusting away” in just one decade; they’re a renewable asset that can last three decades, with most of the output’s materials being recyclable, and innovative projects showing that blades can become part of the next generation’s infrastructure.
Related
- “A very Finnish thing”: Big sand battery starts storing wind and solar energy in crushed soapstone
Are ‘almost all’ wind turbines made in China?
Wind Turbines: The Global Power Play
China: The Wind Giant
“They’re made in China, almost all of them,” the President said, and truth be told, it’s not far off. According to the Global Wind Energy Council, China holds a 60% stake in worldwide wind‑turbine capacity—quite the heavyweight in the industry.
Europe: The Continental Craftsmen
In Europe, the wind scene isn’t idle. Germany, Spain, France, and Denmark form strong manufacturing hubs that together account for roughly 19% of global production. And, as WindEurope reported in 2024, a staggering 90% of commissioned projects across Europe actually used turbines built on the continent.
Sky‑High Demand and the Chinese Price Tag
- Renewables demand is soaring.
- The EU pursues ambitious clean‑energy goals.
- Chinese turbines appear at noticeably lower prices.
These dynamics are nudging many countries to consider turbines from outside Europe—making the wind market a real “global shopping spree.”
Bottom Line
While Europe’s turbines remain the default choice for many local projects, the cheaper, readily‑available Chinese options are hard to ignore. In the great age‑vs‑cost debate of wind energy, the market is leaning toward the budget side, especially as the clean‑energy sprint intensifies.
Are wind turbines ‘killing birds’?
Wind Turbines, Whales, and Birds: The Real Story
When President Trump takes a swipe at wind farms, he’s got the words “whales are going loco” and “birds are getting zapped” rocking around his campaign. But what’s actually going on out there on the ocean floor and the sky? Let’s break it down with a dash of humor and a sprinkle of science.
Whales — Are the Turbines the Culprits?
- No Solid Link: The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says there’s no evidence that offshore turbines are causing whale deaths.
- Whale Woes Are More Complex: Whales are super smart, and scientists are still figuring out why they sometimes choose strange routes. It’s not about metal spikes, usually.
- Acoustics Aren’t the Enemy: Some activists worry about sonar used in wind farm surveys. While it can disturb whales, the science shows little risk of fatal impacts.
- Other Human Factors Reign Supreme: Ship strikes, fishing gear entanglements, and even vaccine‑type accidents are the real threats to these marine giants.
Birds: The Hidden Fallout
- They’re Not the Biggest Victim: Turbines kill a tiny fraction of birds compared to other threats (cats, power lines, buildings, climate change).
- Season, Site & Species All Count: Some wind farms might see a spike in bird kills during migration; others are practically bird-friendly.
- Solutions in the Works: From painted blades (think bright washboards) to AI‑driven shut‑downs when a flock approaches, scientists are on the case.
- Location is Key: Where you put it matters more than the turbine itself. A little bird study before construction can shave off a lot of bird casualties.
Bottom Line
Wind turbines are a great step towards clean energy, but like anything, they come with a few trade‑offs. Trump’s dramatic claims might stir the pot, but the reality? There’s no direct evidence that offshore turbines are killing whales, and birds face far more threats from everyday life. With careful planning and smart tech, we can keep the wind alive and the wildlife safe.
Did wind energy fail in Germany?
Trump Throws Shade at German Wind Power
“The whole thing is a con job,” Trump blurted out, adding that “Germany tried it, and wind doesn’t work.” It was a snappy jab at a nation that’s been riding the green wave.
How Germany’s Clean Energy Feels the Breeze
- Last year, wind power supplied a whopping 28 % of Germany’s electricity – the biggest single source in the country.
- Renewables as a whole – wind, solar, biomass, and hydroelectric – made up almost 60 % of the energy mix.
- For the first time ever, during the first nine months of 2024, wind + solar outpaced fossil fuels in clean power generation.
- Thinking cap on: The think‑tank Ember reports that wind alone accounted for about 31 % of the rise in Germany’s renewable output.
Why the Trump Blunder Misses the Message
While Trump’s quip sounds dramatic, the German green story is all about persistence and a real shift to clean energy. The numbers show that wind isn’t just a breeze; it’s a working power plant, and it’s helped Germany move closer to a less polluting future. Maybe next time, the “con job” tag could be applied to an actual bad scheme – not a powerhouse swirling in sin‑less, revenue‑generating winds.