The second phase of public consultation for the proposed 900-megawatt Spiorad na Mara offshore wind project off the coast of Scotland began on Monday, marking a new step in the project’s development process.
The month-long consultation opened with the launch of an online exhibition, allowing the public to review project details and provide feedback. The proposed wind farm is located approximately five to 13 kilometres off the west coast of the Isle of Lewis and could feature up to 65 fixed-bottom turbines.
If approved and constructed, the project would have the potential to supply electricity to around 1.2 million Scottish homes annually and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by over 1.7 million tonnes per year, according to the developers. The project’s name, Spiorad na Mara, translates from Scottish Gaelic as “Spirit of the Sea.”
Ownership of the project is split between Northland Power (75.5%) and ESB (24.5%), with Northland Power leading the development, construction, and operation phases.
“This is the second of two planned public consultations ahead of our consent application,” the developers said in a statement. The first consultation phase was held in September and October 2024.
In addition to the virtual consultation, five in-person events are scheduled across the Isle of Lewis this week. One-on-one or small-group information clinic appointments will also be offered between 9 and 13 June for those seeking more detailed discussions.
The consultation process is designed to inform the public about the project’s progress and gather input before formal applications for consent are submitted. Online feedback can be submitted until 2 July 2025.
