EDINBURGH, 22nd July 2025 – Spiorad na Mara – a proposed offshore windfarm, located approximately 5-13km off the west coast of the Isle of Lewis – is pleased to share a an update on its local sponsorships and donations programme, which is aimed at supporting local organisations making a real difference across the Isle of Lewis.
Since the project launched its sponsorships and donations initiative back in 2023, over £100,000 has been gifted to support charities, schools, sports clubs, community groups and educational and cultural initiatives, including the University of Highlands and Islands (UHI) STEM Outreach Programme and the National Gaelic Schools Debating Competition – Deasbad
During the first six months of 2025, the project has already supported a further nine local organisations with individual contributions. Among those that have benefitted this year are the Western Isles Island Games Association, Western Isles Archers, Lewis Science Festival, Ness Football Academy, Nicolson Institute Gaelic Choir and Isles FM.
“These sponsorships and donations represent meaningful support that is making a real difference,” said Martin Whyte, Project Director.
“Each contribution, whether large or small, is helping to fund valuable local programmes, supporting community groups and enhancing community life across Lewis. As we continue to ensure that Spiorad na Mara is developed to the highest environmental standards, we will also ensure that we deliver on our commitment to bring tangible benefits to the local communities in Lewis.”
In addition to these ongoing sponsorships and donations, in April this year, the project launched a new Scholarships Programme, representing a commitment of up to £200,000 to financially support 20 final-year students from the four secondary schools in the Outer Hebrides in pursuing STEM or Gaelic-related courses at Scottish universities over the next seven years.
For more information, please visit www.spioradnamara.co.uk or contact Kathleen Milne, Community Liaison Officer, on +44 (0)7442 585935 / kathleen.milne@northlandpower.com.
Spiorad na Mara is owned by Northland Power (75.5%) and ESB (24.5%), with Northland leading on the development, construction, and operation.
Contact:
Steve Thomas
Communications Lead, Northland Power
+44 (0)7359 614023
steve.thomas@northlandpower.com
About Spiorad na Mara
Spiorad na Mara is a proposed offshore wind farm, located approximately 5-13 km off the west coast of Lewis. With an expected installed capacity of around 900 MW, it could meet the equivalent average annual electricity needs of around 1.2 million1 Scottish homes with renewable electricity and save more than 1.7 million tonnes of carbon emissions every year.
Further information is available at www.spioradnamara.co.uk
1 More than 1.2 million homes powered per annum based on the average Scottish annual household electricity consumption of 3,078 kWh in 2022 (https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/regional-and-local-authority-electricity-consumption-statistics) together with a minimum projected 50% wind load factor and a projected installed capacity of up to 900MW.
About Northland Power
Northland Power is a Canada-based global power producer dedicated to accelerating the global energy transition. Founded in 1987, with almost four decades of experience, Northland has a long history of developing, owning and operating a diversified mix of energy infrastructure assets including offshore and onshore wind, solar, battery energy storage, and natural gas. Northland also supplies energy through a regulated utility.
Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, with global offices in seven countries, Northland owns or has an economic interest in 3.5 GW of gross operating generating capacity, 2.2 GW under construction and an inventory of early to mid-stage development opportunities encompassing approximately 10 GW of potential capacity.
Publicly traded since 1997, Northland’s Common Shares, Series 1 and Series 2 Preferred Shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbols NPI, NPI.PR.A and NPI.PR.B, respectively.
About ESB
ESB is involved in six offshore wind projects and 2GW of onshore wind projects in Scotland, as part of its drive for a 5GW renewable electricity portfolio across Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain by 2030. Since its foundation almost 100 years ago, ESB has always been fully invested in the lives of the customers and communities we serve. We have set a target to achieve net zero by 2040 and have committed to do this in a way that enables communities and natural habitats to thrive. Our focus is on developing and connecting renewables, building resilient infrastructure and empowering our customers to live healthier, more sustainable lives using clean electricity.