Mainstream Renewable Power has been awarded funding of €1.4 million by the European Commission to cover half the costs of conducting a survey of the seabed in the Irish Sea.

The survey aims to investigate the best route for the cable which will transport electricity from wind farms in Ireland to the UK’s national grid.

The company plan to carry out the survey is planned in 2014 and 2015 in line with Mainstream’s plans to export 1,200 megawatts of electricity from 2018.

“Carrying out the seabed survey is another major milestone towards exporting power in 2018 and establishing an exciting new industry in Ireland as well as an innovative source of green power for the UK,” Mainstream chief executive Eddie O’Connor said.