Wind power in the USA: Deal with wind power opponent Trump: RWE stops offshore projects
Donald Trump never tires of stirring up sentiment against wind power. Now energy giant RWE is scaling back wind power projects off the US coast - and is getting a billion-dollar sum for it.
President Donald Trump, widely recognized as an opponent of wind power, has shelved the largest project involving energy giant RWE - a decision that differs from initial plans. RWE will not operate wind turbines in US waters; instead, it will receive a compensation of 1.22 billion dollars (approximately 1.06 billion euros) from the US government.
The agreement between the US wind power subsidiary and the Department of the Interior aims to waive claims against the government, as well as surrender lease rights for wind turbines off the coasts of New York, California, and Louisiana. RWE had already invested over a billion dollars in these projects according to company statements.
Following careful consideration, RWE concluded that obtaining approval for these projects in the USA was unlikely in the foreseeable future. Consequently, the company now intends to invest millions in liquefied natural gas projects and other gas-related ventures in the USA. Trump is a known adversary of wind power, favoring coal-based electricity generation and has repeatedly criticized wind turbines as "ugly" and described them as a "green scam" and possibly the "largest fraud in history." He has also criticized other countries for acquiring and utilizing such facilities.
The US Interior Minister, Doug Burgum, welcomed the agreement with RWE, praising the company's willingness to invest voluntarily in projects to keep electricity affordable for American consumers and ensure a reliable baseload supply. A ministry spokesperson added that offshore wind energy remains heavily dependent on foreign supply chains.
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