Mainstream begins geo surveys at 450-MW wind site off Scotland

Aug 12, 2014 - Ireland-based Mainstream Renewable Power said Monday it has launched a detailed geotechnical and geophysical survey at the site of its 450-MW Neart na Gaoithe wind farm in Scottish waters.

With that move, the project enters the final design phase in preparation for a financial investment decision, the developer said.

As part of the survey, which started on August 4 and will conclude at end-September, as many as three specialist geotechnical vessels will gather soil and rock samples from the locations of each of the 75 planned turbines. Another vessel will carry out geophysical magnetometer and multi-beam surveys.

The wind park will use the SWT-6.0-154 machines made by German engineering group Siemens (FRA:SIE) installed in the outer Forth Estuary. A tie-up between Japan’s Marubeni (TYO:8002) and French group Technip (EPA:TEC) has been selected as the preferred contractor for the balance of plant engineering, procurement, construction and installation (EPCI) activities.

In February, project developer Mainstream said the 450-MW Neart na Gaoithe project is expected to reach financial close this year. The plan is for the offshore wind farm to start producing power in 2017.

According to the company's website, Mainstream has 7,650 MW of offshore wind projects in development.

Choose your newsletter by Renewables Now. Join for free!