Northland Power has unveiled the new names, brands, and websites for its two Scottish offshore wind projects.
The two proposed developments, located off the coast of the Outer Hebrides, are named Spiorad na Mara and Havbredey.
Working in partnership with Stornoway-based LOOM Graphics, Northland conducted local research, consultation, and engagement, to ensure the names reflected the rich local folklore and history of the areas in which they are located.
Spiorad na Mara (previously known as N4) is a 840MW proposed fixed-bottom wind turbine project, located approximately 5km off the west coast of Lewis at its closest point.
Spiorad na Mara is a Scottish Gaelic name meaning ‘spirit of the sea’.
Havbredey (previously known as N2) is a proposed 1500MW floating wind turbine project, located approximately 35km offshore to the north-west of Lewis.
Havbredey is a Norse word meaning ‘isles on the edge of the sea’ and is believed to be where the word Hebrides was derived from.
Both project names and identities have taken their inspiration from Scottish and Nordic folklore, with tales often overlapping with the Western Isles‘ strong connection to the Norse culture.
With the designs encapsulating the deep connection that local people have with the sea and environment, they bring together the past, present, and future relationships between the islands, their people, and their stories.
Northland Power’s executive vice president for offshore wind David Povall said: “This announcement is an important step forward for the development of the projects and for Northland, as we continue to make progress towards delivering locally produced clean offshore wind energy, which is at the heart of achieving Scotland’s net zero emissions target by 2045.
“The wind resource in and around the Outer Hebrides is among the best in the world, and ScotWind places the Outer Hebrides at the forefront of the energy transition.”
New websites have also been launched, providing more information about the sites, Northland’s community commitments and how to get in touch, to ask any questions and provide feedback, as the projects continue to develop.
To find out more, please visit www.northlandpowerscotwind.co.uk
Northland will be prioritising the development of Spiorad na Mara in the immediate short term, utilising the established technology of fixed-bottom wind turbines.
With the project in the early stages of the development, there are a number of important activities planned in 2023, including a series of public events being held on Lewis during early summer, where local communities and stakeholders can meet with members of the project team to ask questions, provide feedback and receive the latest information.
Further details will be made available over the coming weeks, Northland said.