EDF Renewables  has bought the 450MW Neart na Gaoithe wind farm project from global wind and solar developer Mainstream Renewable Power, paying €500 million, according to reports. The project is now said to be fully consented after a series of challenges from RSPB Scotland.

The offshore wind project in the Firth of Forth off the east coast of Scotland has a 15 year Contract for Difference at €140 (after indexation of the tariff of £114.39 that was set in 2012 prices), and grid connection agreements in place.

EDF said the cost of delivering the project would be £1.8 billion and commissioning  is planned for 2023. It added, “In line with the group’s usual practice, the project will be open to other investors in due course.”

Bruno Bensasson, EDF group senior executive president responsible for renewable energies and chief executive of EDF Energies Nouvelles’ said, “This large-scale new offshore project demonstrates our strong ambition in being a leading global player in the offshore wind industry”.

Mainstream Renewable Power’s chief executive, Andy Kinsella said, “We are very pleased to be bringing in such an established partner and supporter of the Scottish energy industry in EDF Renewables to this vital infrastructure project for Scotland.”

Further reading

RSPB Scotland to take offshore wind fight to Supreme Court

Court ruling reinstates consent for 2.3GW of offshore wind

Neart na Gaoithe retains CfD after arbitration ruling

Scottish Government ‘must act to reassure investors after wind farm decision’

Consents quashed for 2.3GW of Scottish offshore wind after RSPB challenge

From the archive: RSPB challenge adds to uncertainty for offshore wind farms seeking a CfD