Over 600 jobs are set to be created in Scotland due to an offshore wind farm project in the North Sea, Mainstream Renewable Power (MRP) has announced.

The energy conservation company has revealed it is in discussions with an InterGen-led consortium to take its £2 billion 450MW Neart na Gaoithe (NNG) offshore wind farm to financial close.

Speaking at Scottish Renewables Offshore Wind Conference yesterday, 26 January, MRP's Chief Operating Officer Andy Kinsella said more than £540 million would be spent on the building phase of the project.

-- Advertisement --

He added a further £610m would be invested during the projects operational stage.

"This £2 billion pound infrastructure project has very significant benefits for Scotland," Mr Kinsell said.

"It will create over 500 jobs during construction and over 100 permanent jobs during the 25 year operational phase."

"All the building blocks are now in place to deliver this power plant into operation by 2020; all consents have been received; the CfD was awarded; the technology and construction contractors are in place and, very significantly, the required debt funding for the project has been sourced from commercial banks."

The InterGen-led consortium also includes Siemens Project Ventures, The Marguerite Fund and Infrared Capital.

(LM/MH)