Social Impact Assessment

Image: Spiorad na Mara proposed project and landfall area

Location: Spiorad na Mara, Isle of Lewis

Client: ERM (for Northland Power Inc)

The Project: Northland Power Inc have proposed to install an offshore windfarm off the west coast of Lewis, with an expected installed capacity of approximately 900 MW. In recognition of the potential transformational nature of the project, a dedicated Social Impact Assessment has been commissioned to inform the EIA process.

Our Role: Atlantic58 is working together with global consultancy ERM to undertake a detailed Social Impact Assessment of the proposed windfarm. The purpose of the SIA is to understand where there may be significant impacts on communities from the project, including people's way of life, heritage and culture, health, wellbeing, personal and property rights. Atlantic58 will also co-author the Socio-Economic EIA chapter for the development with ERM.

In parallel, Atlantic58 has independently secured funding from Innovate UK to develop a targeted SIA assessment methodology in collaboration with a research team of social scientists from the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI). The new methodology will be tailored to the unique social and cultural context of the Western Isles.

Outcome: Ongoing

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