Neart na Gaoithe OWF among First to Qualify for UK’s New Support Scheme

Mainstream Renewable Power today confirms that its 450 megawatt offshore wind farm in Scotland has been announced by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) as one of the first projects eligible to apply for the UK’s new renewable energy support scheme.

DECC has this morning published details of the renewable energy projects in the UK which will be eligible to apply for the Contract for Difference (CfD) prior to the launch of the scheme in late 2014. It confirmed that Mainstream’s 450MW Neart na Gaoithe offshore wind farm has cleared the eligibility threshold, enabling it to take forward its application to secure the CfD by April 2014.

Commenting on the announcement, Mainstream’s Offshore CEO and Executive Director, Andy Kinsella, said: “This is another significant step on the journey with the Scottish and UK governments. The next will be the issuing of the offshore planning determination. Today’s announcement is a key driver in enabling Mainstream to reach financial close with the project in 2014 and to start construction in 2015.”

He continued: “The project remains on track to be the first large-scale offshore wind farm deployed in Scottish waters and the first offshore wind farm in the UK to attract true non-recourse project finance at the construction stage. We look forward to continuing our work with DECC to secure an investment contract in early 2014.”

The wind farm, which will deliver 3.7% of Scotland’s electricity demand when fully operational, last month announced the deployment of the North Sea’s first commercial floating LiDAR wind measurement device, which is capturing wind data at the site.

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Press release, December 4, 2013; Image: Mainstream Renewable Power