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• Development process and milestones

About Neart na Gaoithe

The proposed Neart na Gaoithe offshore wind farm is located some 15km off the Fife coast and covers an area of approximately 100km². Mainstream was awarded the site in February 2009 by the Crown Estate as part of a competitive bidding process. The project has the potential to generate 450MW of renewable energy, which is enough power to supply around 325,000 Scottish homes - more than the whole of Edinburgh. It will offset over 400,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year, as well as making a significant contribution towards the delivery of the UK's share of the European Union target of 20% renewable energy by 2020.

Mainstream's aim is develop an environmentally and socially responsible project that is viable to construct and operate. The Neart na Gaoithe site was chosen because it combines technical, economic and environmental deliverability. Criteria which formed part of the site selection process included:

• water depth,
• ground conditions,
• expected energy yield,
• met-ocean conditions,
• proximity to grid lines,
• nearby port facilities as well as
• assessment of potential human, biological and physical environmental sensitivities.

Mainstream has commenced the development process for the project. Subject to securing the necessary consents, it is expected that the wind farm will commence construction by 2014. Further information about the development and consents process can be found on these pages.

Mainstream is committed to the principle of local economic development and actively welcome inquiries from Scottish businesses who are interested in contributing to the success of Neart na Gaoithe.

Click here to register if you would like to contact us with any questions or comments.

A map of the proposed project is shown below, alongside the coordinates of the site boundary:

   Longitude          Latitude   
1 2° 20.2317 W    56° 17.4277 N
2 2° 17.8248 W    56° 19.7488 N
3 2° 16.5177 W    56° 20.3088 N
4 2° 14.9090 W    56° 20.1683 N
5 2° 9.8973 W      56° 15.2680 N
6 2° 9.2542 W      56° 12.7185 N
7 2° 16.2922 W    56° 12.7632 N
8 2° 20.0542 W    56° 15.8237 N

If you are interested in reviewing the stages involved in the development of an offshore wind farm, please click here.