FLiDAR completes offshore wind measurements for Scottish energy project

FLiDAR has completed the onsite wind measurements at the 448MW Neart na Gaoithe offshore wind farm in Scotland that is developed by Mainstream Renewable Power.

The Belgian firm had deployed a floating LiDAR buoy for the measurements at the facility, which is located off from the east coast of the country.

The FLiDAR equipment is presently being decommissioned and is going through post-validation tests at the ORE Catapult offshore met mast.

The deployment has been able to save considerable development time and costs for the project, as compared to the conventional meteorological masts used for similar processes.

Neart na Gaoithe project manager David Sweenie said: "Mainstream recognised the innovative approach of FLiDAR from an early stage, bringing accurate wind data at a low cost in a short delivery window.

"The data provided by FLiDAR has contributed to the great successes of Neart na Gaoithe so far."

The UL Government has recently awarded contract for difference (CfD) to Mainstream Renewable Power for the project.

FLiDAR general manager Reinhardt Stevens said: "We are delighted to have delivered high-availability and accurate wind data in such a short time to our client and congratulate Mainstream Renewable Power on being awarded the CfD."

3E and Offshore & Wind Assistance (OWA) are the developers for the FLiDAR technology.