IF Donald Trump had his way, its 191-metre high turbines would never have been built.

But yesterday the mammoth European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre (EOWDC) was officially opened off Aberdeenshire.

The facility, built by Swedish energy giant Vattenfall, is capable of powering 70% of all homes in oil capital Aberdeen.

Opening the facility yesterday, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon hailed its potential, saying: “I am proud that as part of this groundbreaking project, the world’s most powerful offshore wind turbines are now up and running in Scotland.

“The European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre will maintain Scotland’s reputation for innovation in low-carbon and renewable energy development and deployment.

“A single rotation of one of these 8.8mw turbines will generate enough energy to power a home for 24 hours, which truly shows the potential of this technology to strengthen Scotland’s renewable energy-generating capacity in the future.”

The ceremony took place aboard a NorthLink Ferries vessel which took dignitaries out to the 11 turbine site, which can be seen from Trump’s golf course.

Two of the turbines are understood to be the most powerful in the world, with a single rotation capable of securing enough electricity for an average home for an entire day.

But the scheme would have been stalled for good if Trump had convinced decision-makers that it would kill-off tourism and deter investment.

The tycoon even went so far as to sanction anti-wind farm adverts, which were then slated by the Advertising Standards Authority for containing misleading claims.

The ads implied that an image of California was representative of the Scottish site.

EOWDC first sent energy to the National Grid via underground cables in July.

Yesterday Sturgeon said: “I think it’s fair to say it’s had its opponents along the way.

“But I hope what we’re seeing today – and I’m going to use this word deliberately – the beauty of what we’re seeing today, will in time be capable of persuading even the sternest critic of this fantastic centre.”

Vattenfall president Magnus Hall said: “The innovation we have implemented at the EOWDC, and will continue to demonstrate, will turbocharge the growth of a global, low-cost offshore wind industry. And in doing so, do much to secure a fossil fuel free future for us all.”

On the company’s plans, he went on: “Vattenfall is in Britain to grow. The success of our wind power investments over the past decade, and the ambition of Scottish and UK governments to transform the energy and transport sectors, gives us confidence in our UK future.”

Claire Mack, of industry body Scottish Renewables, said the project is “significant on a global stage”. She stated: “The developments and research which are taking place in Aberdeen place Scotland at the very forefront of offshore wind innovation and cement the city’s reputation as an energy powerhouse.

“The supply chains which have come together on projects like the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre, and others including Beatrice and Moray East further north, are already revitalising coastal communities. With 25% of Europe’s offshore wind resource, the deployment of technology like these turbines – the most powerful in the world – presents an enormous opportunity for Scotland.”