If approved the 450MW offshore wind project will be built in Scottish territorial waters, 15km off the Fife coast. Mainstream Renewable Power – which now has over 7.5GW of offshore wind farms in development in the UK and Germany - hopes to start construction on the £1.4bn Neart na Gaoithe project in 2015.

The offshore wind farm will comprise 64-125 wind turbines installed in water depths of 45-55m and will span a site measuring approximately 105 sq km. When completed, it will generate enough electricity to meet around 3.75% of Scotland’s electricity demand, according to the Ireland-based developer.

Having secured grid connection in 2010 and an Agreement for Lease with The Crown Estate in 2011, Mainstream says it aims to reach financial close in 2013 and be fully operational by the end of 2016. Theconstruction consent application to the Marine Scotland Licensing Operations Team (MS-LOT) is now open to consultation until 10 September.