Construction workers working on a wind turbine at sea.

Stages of development

Mainstream’s South East Wind is at an early development stage. We have applied for a foreshore licence, which is the permit required to perform surveys and investigative works. We have also undertaken early stakeholder engagement and conducted aerial surveys.

Provided we are successful in our foreshore licence application, the next stage of development will be to conduct environmental and technical surveys to progress the design. Mainstream will also undertake formal public consultations during this phase.

The final regulatory and consenting regime has yet to be finalised, however we anticipate that the next step will be to obtain Maritime Area Consent (MAC) from the soon-to-be established Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA). Following the grant of a MAC, Mainstream will apply for planning permission.

If Mainstream are successful at obtaining development consent and securing a route to market, the final stage will be the tendering and procurement process, ahead of commencing construction.

Background graphic depicting wind turbines at sea.

Indicative
Development Timeline

Foreshore Licence
Application

Timeline Single Turbine
2020

Ongoing Feasibility
Studies and Surveys

Timeline Medium Cloud
2021
Timeline Two Turbines

Stakeholder
Engagement

Foreshore Licence Consultation

Timeline Large Cloud
2022
Timeline Single Turbine

Introductory
Communications

Foreshore Licence Award

Commence Site Investigation
and Surveys

Maritime Area Consent
Application

Timeline Small Cloud
2023
Timeline Three Turbines

Public Consultation 1
Scoping

Public Consultation 2
Preliminary Options

Environmental Impact
Assessment Report

Development Consent
Application

Timeline Single Turbine
2024
Timeline Small Cloud

Public Consultation 3
Refined Proposal

Statutory Consultation

Development Consent

Timeline Medium Cloud
2025
Timeline Two Turbines

Ongoing Engagement

Design and Procurement

Timeline Two Turbines
2026
Timeline Small Cloud

Ongoing Engagement

Construction and
Operation

Timeline Large Cloud
2027 – 2030
Timeline Three Turbines

Community
Benefit Fund

Fisherman on trawler - background image.

Fisheries Liaison

The fishing community is a key stakeholder for Mainstream Renewable Power. We have appointed experienced Fisheries Liaison Officers (FLO) to engage with fishing interests. Our FLOs conduct regular, in-person meetings at ports and will liaise with fishing associations and organisations to provide information on the development. 

Our FLOs can be contacted at 021 – 2031005 or info@fishery-liaisons.com.

Background graphic depicting wind turbines at sea.

Community Liaison

Mainstream will engage with communities and local stakeholders throughout all stages of the development. A Community Liaison Officer will be appointed as the project progresses and a telephone and email information service will be set up. Our Stakeholder and Development Manager, Jane Hennessy, has been appointed to ensure stakeholder’s concerns and interests are addressed at all stages of development.

People taking notes at a talk.