Spiorad na Mara offshore wind, a collaborative venture primarily owned by Northland Power (75.5%) and ESB (24.5%), has released its comprehensive scoping report for a pioneering project off the coast of the Isle of Lewis in Scotland. This pivotal step marks a significant progression in the environmental impact assessment (EIA) process and sets the stage for a meticulous evaluation of the forthcoming offshore wind endeavor.
The purpose of the scoping report is to establish a constructive dialogue with key stakeholders, outlining the critical areas to be evaluated in the forthcoming EIA. This collaborative approach enables the project and relevant regulatory bodies to reach a consensus on the requisite data, methodologies, and strategies for identifying and assessing the potential impacts, both offshore and onshore.
Tanya Davies, the dedicated project director of Spiorad na Mara, emphasized the significance of this milestone, stating, “This marks a pivotal moment in the project's evolution, underscoring the vital preliminary stages of any offshore wind farm development. The valuable feedback and insights from our consultees will serve to enrich and enlighten our future plans as we continue to advance the development and design of the project.”
In a parallel development, following a recent application submitted to the National Grid Electricity System Operator concerning the grid connection for Spiorad na Mara, there is an anticipated adjustment in the maximum installed capacity of the project. It is expected to increase from 840MW to approximately 900MW, translating into the ability to fulfill the annual electricity requirements of 815,000 Scottish households, a notable upsurge of 55,000 households.
Noteworthy, this measured increase in capacity will not result in any alterations to the project's physical footprint, either onshore or offshore.
During the year 2024, the project anticipates conducting at least two phases of formal public consultations. In these consultations, the latest blueprints and proposals for the project will be unveiled, allowing local communities, the general public, and all stakeholders an invaluable opportunity to inquire, provide feedback, and engage in constructive dialogue before the formal planning application is submitted.
