The EDF Group, a joint subsidiary of EDF Energy and EDF Energies Nouvelles, has bought the Neart na Gaoithe wind farm project from global wind and solar developer Mainstream Renewable.
The wind farm will generate up to 450 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy, which is equivalent to the annual electricity provision of around 375,000 homes, the company said.
The offshore wind project is located in the Firth of Forth off the east coast of Scotland. It covers 105 km, and has a 15 year Contract for Difference at 140 Euros (corresponding to the indexation of the tariff of £114.39 that was set in 2012 prices), and grid connection agreements in place.
The total investment required to deliver the project is around £1.8 billion. The commissioning of the wind farm is planned for 2023. In line with the group’s usual practice, the project will be open to other investors in due course.
Simone Rossi, CEO of EDF Energy said, “This is evidence of our continuing investment and growth in Scotland, where we are the largest generator of low carbon energy. Our operations contribute £389m to the Scottish economy every year and we employ more than 2,800 staff and contractors. We supply 144,000 customers in Scotland.”