17th April 2024 in Construction, Press releases, Project news, Supply Chain
Dogger Bank, set to become the world’s largest offshore wind farm, has achieved a significant milestone as the second unmanned High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) platform has been installed by Saipem.
The substation is the second of three platforms, each supplied by Aibel, to be installed at Dogger Bank offshore wind farm, which is being constructed in three phases known as A, B, and C, each with a capacity of 1.2GW.
The platform was installed 130km from the UK coastline at Dogger Bank B by Saipem using the Saipem 7000 vessel and features a Hitachi Energy HVDC system developed to transmit power more efficiently than traditional AC systems. The platform will receive 1.2GW of AC power generated by the 95 offshore wind turbines of Dogger Bank B, before converting it to DC for transmission to an onshore converter station located near Beverley in East Riding of Yorkshire.
The first platform was installed at Dogger Bank A in April 2023, representing the first time this technology has been used in offshore wind in the UK. All three platforms will be controlled from shore and feature a lean design, resulting in a 70% weight reduction per MW compared to previous platform designs.
Mads Andersen, CEO and President of Aibel said:
“At Aibel, we recognize that our success is not measured solely by the completion of projects but by the lasting impact we leave on the industry. With this major on-time delivery of Dogger Bank B, we mark another important milestone in Aibel’s transition towards a greener industry. This achievement exemplifies the power of collaboration and reflects the enduring partnerships we have cultivated with industry leaders SSE Renewables, Equinor, Vårgrønn, and our esteemed partner, Hitachi Energy”.
Andreas Berthou, Head of HVDC at Hitachi Energy’s Grid Integration business, said:
“The urgent energy transition requires strong collaboration, new business models, and global standards. We are proud to be the technology partner for the Dogger Bank Wind Farm project, with HVDC being the force multiplier for the clean energy transition, increasing access to an energy system that is more sustainable, flexible and secure. This is another significant milestone in securing the UK’s future energy needs, made possible by foresighted partners such as SSE Renewables, Equinor and Vårgrønn that have made the UK a leader in the transition to clean power.”
Measuring 75 meters long x 45 meters wide x 39 meters high, the platform utilises a four-legged steel jacket foundation structure designed and fabricated by Saipem in water depths of around 28 meters.
Gianalberto Secchi, COO of Saipem’s Offshore Wind Business Line, commented:
“We are proud to have contributed to the achievement of this important milestone for the groundbreaking Dogger Bank project, which reaffirms Saipem’s leadership in the offshore industry and our expertise in supporting Clients in the development of offshore wind farms as a key resource for the energy transition worldwide.”
13th March 2024 in Community News, Project news
An innovative programme which challenged South Tyneside youngsters to use their imagination to find new ways of harnessing renewable energy has taken first place in the STEM Initiative category of a national awards scheme.
The South Tyneside and Beyond programme, which was delivered by Little Inventors in partnership with South Tyneside Council and Dogger Bank Wind Farm, was awarded the top spot at The Engineer magazine’s Collaborate to Innovate Awards.
The programme saw over 3,000 children take part in an ‘invention challenge’, which encouraged the youngsters to expand their skills in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) by broadening their knowledge of renewable energy and how it can be used to bring about positive change for the planet.
Year 4 pupils came up with a wide range of creative ideas, including a ‘turtle motorway, an ‘auto shivering device’ and ‘wind mirrors’ which use propellors on car wing mirrors to capture enough energy to power the radio and sat nav – a design that was shortlisted in the Young Innovator category.
To give credence to the creations, the best designs were transformed into prototypes by industry partners and put on display at The Word in South Shields.
Cllr Jane Carter, Lead Member for Education and Skills, said: “South Tyneside has a burgeoning ‘green’ sector but it is vital that our young people know about the skills that will be needed in the future to secure these high-quality jobs.
“This project has demonstrated the tangible value that collaboration between education and industry can bring for all concerned. It has shown how creativity and imagination can be used to solve real-world problems, while also raising the aspirations, knowledge and confidence of our young people.”
The second year of the project is now underway with a programme of school-based workshops where young people can learn more STEM subjects, using Dogger Bank – currently the world’s largest offshore wind farm being built off the North East coastline – as inspiration.
Craig Bright from Little Inventors said: “We take young people’s ideas from all around the world seriously, and to have the opportunity to make a difference to the wonderful little inventors in South Tyneside in collaboration with South Tyneside Council and Dogger Bank Wind Farm was such a fantastic experience. We’re absolutely thrilled that the efforts of everybody involved have been recognised with this award.”
Kay Doragh, Community Investment Manager at Equinor – one of the industry partners in the project – added: “The Powering the Future programme really benefits from the trust it puts in young people to have amazing and innovative ideas, as seen in the brilliant Wind Mirrors invention by nine-year old Isaac from Cleadon. It’s this creative drive that we hope will inspire young people to embrace STEM in education and as a future career, especially in renewable energy.”
12th March 2024 in Supply Chain
North East engineering and lifting expert, JK Lifting Equipment, is working with the world’s largest wind farm, Dogger Bank, to enable the safe movement of operation and maintenance equipment.
As part of the lifting and product supply partnership, JK Lifting Equipment has developed a rigging loft specifically for the Dogger Bank Wind Farm. The specially converted shipping container features all the necessary lifting equipment required to support safe heavy lifts and can be used both onshore and offshore.
James McAlees, Marine Logistics Coordinator at Dogger Bank Wind Farm, said: “JK Lifting Equipment will play an important role in the operations of the warehouse and logistics function of Dogger Bank, enabling the safe movement of equipment required to operate and maintain the world’s largest offshore wind farm.
“They join a growing number of North East companies bringing specialised technology to the industry-leading project.”
James Bright, Managing Director at JK Lifting, said: “We’re thrilled that Dogger Bank Wind Farm have entrusted us to be their lifting partner – it’s a privilege to be a part of such an exciting and transformative project.
“Dogger Bank recognised our strong track record of quality engineering, providing innovative solutions, developing collaborative working relationships and delivering a comprehensive range of both onshore and offshore services across the UK and Europe.
“With four decades of lifting expertise, our certified engineers bolster the wind farm’s existing lifting operations, utilising their in-depth sector knowledge to find innovative solutions.
“Based on the banks of the River Tyne, we’re proud to support Dogger Bank Wind Farm, alongside the region’s growing renewable energy hub and the UK’s Net Zero 2050 target.”
The Dogger Bank offshore Wind Farm is a joint venture partnership between SSE Renewables (40 per cent%), Equinor (40 per cent%) and Vårgrønn (20 per cent%).
SSE Renewables is leading the development and construction of Dogger Bank Wind Farm, and Equinor will operate the wind farm on completion and during its expected operational life of around 35 years. Vårgrønn provides specialist offshore wind expertise to the project.
The North East of England is a growing UK hub for the global marine, offshore, and renewable sectors. Its North Sea location, as well as the vast experience, knowledge and network of the region’s specialist companies, mean it is attracting growing levels of investment.
JK Lifting, one of the North East’s leading engineering firms, has been helping companies lift well for over 40 years. Founded by John Kesson in 1983, the firm was acquired by James Bright in 2019 to lead the company into its next chapter. Following continued growth, in May 2022 the firm celebrated the opening of its specialist marine base at Port of Blyth.
7th March 2024 in Supply Chain
CFB Risk Management (CFB RMS) CIC has supported the World’s Largest Offshore Wind Farm, Dogger Bank, providing Emergency Response Plans.
Dogger Bank Wind Farm has awarded CFB RMS with the opportunity to develop and produce their Emergency Response Plans for their Logistics and Warehouse departments, which are based from the Dogger Bank operations and maintenance base in South Shields, North East England.
Dogger Bank is committed to long-term value creation in a low-carbon future, investing £1m during the construction phase of the wind farm, working with education providers to support the development of skills for the future of green energy.
CFB RMS, who are a CIC, give back 65% of profits to support the local community, a value that is very much close to Dogger Bank’s heart.
CFB RMS have unique expertise and decades of experiencing managing highly complex emergency response situations within High Hazard industries globally including; Chemical, Energy and Oil & Gas, with a passion for excellence and customers being at the forefront of everything we do.
CFB RMS are always looking to build up strong existing client relationships. Securing this contract with such an innovative company, who have an eagerness to take on new challenges, and strive to make a safe and good place to work and put their people first, and committed to minimising negative impact on people and the environment.
Working closely with them will allow us to exchange ideas that provide more sustainable services, optimising the skills and expertise CFB RMS technical team hold to ensure plans are in place to support Equinor’s team in the event of an emergency situation.
We are excited to work with a global leader, and to start implementing key training and service requirements to prevent major accidents, and protect business reputation the best way possible, in order to satisfy our client on a personal level by providing the best services within the market.
CFB RMS have already built a great relationship with this organisation, and look forward to watching this relationship grow and flourish over time.
7th March 2024 in Community News, Press releases, Project news
Primary school children are being challenged to create an energy-themed superhero story as part of a competition launched by Dogger Bank Wind Farm and its partners in Redcar and Cleveland.
The 500-word challenge is being launched on World Book Day 2024, to inspire young people to learn about where energy comes from, and how it’s used as a positive force in the world.
In their stories the schoolchildren will create an “energy superhero” which uses its superpowers to save the day.
The competition is part of the Dogger Bank Wind Farm-funded Building our Futures programme, which aims to embed careers education into every primary school in Redcar and Cleveland through engaging workshops supported by local employers.
The programme is being delivered by Redcar and Cleveland Voluntary Development Agency (RCVDA) with strategic support and guidance from Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council.
“More than 750 children from over 30 schools have taken part in Building Our Futures workshops since we launched the programme last year,” said programme manager for the RCVDA, Jacqui Hutchinson.
“Children have been inspired by real-life workplace representatives from Dogger Bank’s supply chain and wider local businesses, with pupils experiencing first-hand accounts of careers in a diverse range of industries.
“The book competition will enable young people to use their creative side to express their thoughts about the role different forms of energy play in our lives, and why it’s important to understand where this energy comes from.
“We can’t wait to see our bright, enquiring young people bring their net zero heroes to life.”
The World Book Day competition is being supported by Dogger Bank Wind Farm construction contractor Keltbray, Teesside University, Redcar and Cleveland Voluntary Development Agency and BBC Tees.
Dogger Bank Wind farm is a joint venture between SSE Renewables, Equinor and Vårgrønn. The wind farm is being built 80 miles off the Yorkshire coast, and will be the world’s largest offshore wind farm when it’s fully commissioned in 2026.
The north and north-east of England are playing a critical role in the delivery and operation of the wind farm, and more than 2,000 UK based roles have been created or supported in relation to the construction and operation of the wind farm.
Dogger Bank Wind Farm will transmit renewable energy via national electricity network substations in East Riding of Yorkshire, and at Lackenby on Teesside.
The wind farm’s operation and maintenance base is located at Port of Tyne, and the Able Seaton port near Hartlepool is being used by the project’s turbine manufacturer for carrying out pre-assembly work on the turbines during the construction programme.
Primary schools can enter the World Book Day competition at World Book Day Competition – Building our Future – RCVDA
April 12 is the closing date for entries. Authors of the winning books will receive a book voucher and the chance for their class to visit Dogger Bank Wind Farm’s operation and maintenance base at Port of Tyne.
