Press Release: Northland Power unveils new names and brand identities for ScotWind projects

Spiorad na Mara (previously known as N4) is a proposed fixed-bottom wind turbine project set in an area approximately 5-13 kilometres off the west coast of the Isle of Lewis. With a potential capacity of around 840 megawatts (MW), it could meet the average annual electricity needs for around 760,000 Scottish homes with renewable electricity and save around 1.2 million tonnes of harmful CO2 emissions every year. Spiorad na Mara is a Scottish Gaelic name meaning ‘Spirit of the sea’.

Havbredey (previously known as N2) is a proposed floating wind turbine project, located approximately 35 km offshore to the north-west of Lewis. With a potential capacity of around 1,500 MW, it could meet the average annual electricity needs for around 1.3 million Scottish homes with renewable electricity and save around 2.2 million tonnes of harmful CO2 emissions every year. 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 the environment, they bring together the past, present, and future relationships between the islands, their people, and their stories.

“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“ said David Povall, Executive Vice President Offshore Wind. “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.”

“Working in partnership with local communities and businesses is at the heart of everything we do. Between working with the team at LOOM Graphics and receiving input and feedback from members of the community, we’re proud to reach this important project milestone“ said Tanya Davies, Project Director, Northland Power. “We look forward to continuing this close working relationship and to delivering benefits to local communities, the economy and the environment for many years to come.“

“Working with Northland Power was a huge opportunity for our small studio. We’re very grateful that they sought to use a local business when looking for logo designs for the new ScotWind projects,” said Pearse O’Halloran, Creative Director, LOOM Graphics. “It was an exciting challenge, and we spent a large part of the project researching folklore and island heritage to find relevant approaches for the design. These shine through in the final graphics that are built on the traditional values that folk spirits represented but are looking toward the future of the island. We can’t wait to see the new designs in use and the positive change they will grow to symbolise for many years to come.”

New websites have also been launched, providing more information about the projects, 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 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’s primary focus is building a sustainable and carbon-neutral world based on a commitment to safely supply reliable, affordable, and clean energy while delivering long-term economic value. For more information about Northland, please visit www.northlandpower.com