#SeaPower - Green energy multinational Mainstream Renewable Power has secured €1.4 million in EU funding towards its costs of surveying the Irish Sea bed, as The Irish Times reports.

Mainstream's survey, planned to commence in 2014, will determine the route for undersea power cabling to link Irish offshore wind farms to Britain's national grid - with plans to export 1,200 megawatts to the UK annually from 2018.

The Irish Times as more on the story HERE.

Plans are afoot to power Edinburgh with a giant offshore windfarm, the Edinburgh Evening News reports.

The £1.2 billion (€ 1.37 billion) project proposed by Irish group Mainstream Renewable Power could see as many as 130 turbines generate power for up to 335,000 homes.

The turbines would be installed 30km north of Dunbar, East Lothian, though a number would be visible from the coastline.

Concerns have been raised by East Lothian residents at a consultation hearing regarding the environmental impact of the project, dubbed Neart na Gaoithe (might of the wind), though wildlife and environmental surveys are still being carried out.

Any final go-ahead on the windfarm scheme would have to be given by the Scottish government.

As previously reported on Afloat.ie, Mainstream Renewable Power - headed by Eddie O'Connor - has signed deals for windfarms in South Africa and Alberta province in Canada.

The Evening News has more on the story HERE.