10th December 2024 in Community News
Can imagination change the world? We think so! Take part in the Making Waves challenge.
Got a child at school here or know a teacher in the area? See if they want to get involved in the annual design challenge by Little Inventors – a programme create by Dogger Bank Wind Farm and South Tyneside Council.
Running across Key Stages 1 – 3, the challenge involves workshops and invention to come up with ideas to tackle real issues in the world.
This year the theme is Making Waves – and the best ideas will be made into real prototypes by local makers.
Last year one of the winning designs was nominated for a Best Invention award by the Engineer Magazine – at the age of 10! So well worth getting involved.
Upload your ideas by the 30th April 2025!
Click here to get involved today
4th October 2024 in Community News
We are delighted to announce that Emily Hamilton has been awarded the Dogger Bank purchase prize award for five of her artwork pieces from her final year degree show.
Emily said on winning the prize, “I am so happy that my work was selected for this award. It was a perfect ending to my degree and a promising start to my career as an artist.”
I love seeing my paintings alongside so many amazing works from past students, and I hope my paintings bring a smile to the people who work at Dogger Bank”.
Born in Bishop Auckland, Emily creates ‘dream-like worlds’ within her art that explore the feeling of living in a fake reality, the belief you are the only person who exists, nothing is real and nobody else can prove you are conscious.
Emily’s winning pieces focus on the medieval character of the Jester; a silly unserious character, with the ability to have political influence in the royal court. The Jesters show the cruelties of war, and how in this alternate reality, each side’s differences result in the end of the world.
Mark Halliday, Dogger Bank Operations Director, said:
“We’re proud to support local artists through our purchase prize award. Emily’s artwork is a fantastic addition to our world-class operations base, where it adds a touch of creativity for our team members and visitors to see. At Dogger Bank Wind Farm, we are committed to giving back to the communities where we operate, investing in local initiatives and supporting the development of local talent.”
Dogger Bank Wind Farm is working with Newcastle art gallery Gallagher and Turner on the purchase prize, with a planned yearly purchase prize for art students at Newcastle and Sunderland Universities. Selected works will be displayed at the Wind Farm’s Operations and Maintenance base.
Professor Kevin Petrie, Professor of Creative Practice at the University of Sunderland, said:
“It’s wonderful for the University of Sunderland to be a part of the Dogger Bank Purchase prize as it aims to enhance the working environment of those involved in a really important project for sustainability and the environment. This is central to our curriculum in Media and Creative Industry subjects where our students are using their creativity to make the World a better place. In Emily’s case, she is creating pieces that will intrigue and delight those who see the pieces on display. This prize is also an important career boost for those like Emily who are setting up in business as creatives.”
Over 30 pieces of art from North East artists, supplied by Gallagher and Turner, are already permanently displayed at the operations and maintenance base.
Clare Turner, Partner, Gallagher & Turner said:
“It’s been an important part of Gallagher & Turner’s process to work with Dogger Bank O&M Base employees to establish a connection with the artworks selected, curating works that they like. After consulting with the team we wanted to represent intergenerational talent from across the North East. The Dogger Bank Purchase Prize is selected by Dogger Bank Employees, and has been a great way to showcase and support exciting new art graduates within this evolving collection.”
In 2024, three original murals were installed at the base, all featuring original designs by local primary school children, in a collaboration between Gallagher and Turner, South Tyneside Council, and The Foundation Press.
In June, Dogger Bank Wind Farm announced additional funding of £25 million to support coastal communities across the North and North East of England, over its planned 35-year operational lifespan.
This commitment includes funding projects that enhance STEM education to help young people gain the skills and knowledge required to fulfil their potential in a net zero world.
The new community fund builds on the £1 million community fund set up during the construction phase of Dogger Bank, which has already supported more than 36,000 young people across 204 schools, provided 62 university scholarships, and provided 87 grants to local community groups.
Find out more about this £25 million commitment from Dogger Bank Wind Farm here.
Dogger Bank Wind Farm is a joint venture between SSE Renewables (40%), Equinor (40%) and Vårgrønn (20%). SSE Renewables is lead operator for the development and construction of Dogger Bank Wind Farm. Equinor will be lead operator of the wind farm on completion for its expected operational life of around 35 years. Vårgrønn (controlled by ENI) provides specialist offshore wind expertise to the project.
29th August 2024 in Community News
Students from local schools got a taste of the exciting world of offshore wind when they visited Dogger Bank, set to become the world’s largest offshore wind farm. The 2 career taster days offered a unique opportunity for 40 young people to explore potential career paths in the renewable energy sector.
Students had the chance to step into the shoes of the Dogger Bank operations team, touring the state-of-the-art control room and gaining insights into the complex systems that will power up to 6 million UK homes.
A highlight of the day was a visit to North Star’s Grampian Tyne Service Operations Vessel (SOV), a floating accommodation and transportation hub built to transfer wind turbine technicians over 130 km to the wind farm in the North Sea.
The students engaged in sessions with the team at the Port of Tyne and Newcastle College, gaining valuable insights into the diverse roles available within the sector.
One of the 40 students who attended the taster days was Harvey Dale, age 16, from Redcar and Cleveland.
Following the day Harvey said: “The day was great; I couldn’t have asked for more and the service operation vessel was amazing to see. The day was very inspiring in making young people want to be part of the renewable energy sector.”
The taster days were supported by Dean Champney, a wind turbine engineer at Dogger Bank Wind Farm.
Commenting on the taster day, Dean said: “My journey into the industry was a little different to usual. After starting out as an apprentice in another sector, I decided I wanted to make the transition into wind. I arranged to take day release from my job to study renewable energy technology – it was the best decision I ever made. Offshore wind is an incredibly exciting industry and it was great to talk to so many young people interested in joining during the career taster day.”
The event comes as the UK offshore wind sector is set to experience significant growth, with employment projected to reach over 100,000 by 2030 to meet the UK’s renewable energy targets.
These career taster days are part of Dogger Bank’s commitment to supporting the development of a skilled workforce and inspiring the next generation of renewable energy professionals.
In June, Dogger Bank Wind Farm announced additional funding of £25 million to support coastal communities across the North and North East of England, over its planned 35-year operational lifespan.
This commitment includes funding projects that enhance STEM education to help young people gain the skills and knowledge required to fulfil their potential in a net zero world.
The new community fund builds on the £1 million community fund set up during the construction phase of Dogger Bank, which has already supported more than 36,000 young people across 204 schools, provided 62 university scholarships, and provided 87 grants to local community groups.
Find out more about this £25 million commitment from Dogger Bank Wind Farm here.
10th July 2024 in Community News
Dogger Bank Wind Farm has continued to show its dedication to the North and North-East of England by granting additional funds from its operator fund. In the latest round of awards, 40 local community groups have received support from the fund.
Investing in local communities, the Dogger Bank operator fund grants support projects that enhance residents’ quality of life, create vibrant and sustainable communities, and foster a strong community spirit.
In South Tyneside, South Shields Under 10s Girls Football Team has received an operator fund grant to purchase team kit for the winter months.
Michael Johnston, coach at South Shields Under 10s Girls Football Team, said:
“The operator fund grant is fantastic news for our team. This funding will allow us to provide our players with essential winter kit, allowing us to train throughout the colder months. We are grateful to the Dogger Bank Wind Farm for their commitment and for recognising the importance of providing young athletes with the necessary resources to thrive.”
In Redcar and Cleveland, Blam Blam Fever Promotions C.I.C, has received a grant to support their ska and reggae music festival. Meanwhile, Darkside Diving Redcar has used the grant to purchase a new diving compressor.
In East Riding of Yorkshire, Driffield Town Cricket Club has been awarded funding to install Wi-Fi in their two cricket pavilions. Meanwhile, Kilham Playing Field Association has also benefited from the fund, receiving a grant for a new lawnmower, ensuring their tennis courts stays in top condition for the community to enjoy.
Kilham Playing Field
In June 2024, Dogger Bank Wind Farm announced the next phase of its community fund, committing £25 million to be used in the North and North East of England throughout the operational phase of the wind farm.
The next phase of the community fund will continue to be used to enhance science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) education for young people, equipping them with the skills to succeed in a net zero world.
The new community fund builds on the £1 million community fund set up during the construction phase of Dogger Bank, which has already supported more than 36,000 young people across 204 schools, provided 62 university scholarships, and provided 87 grants to local community groups.
The funding decisions are made by a panel with representatives from wind farm joint venture partners Equinor and SSE Renewables, as well as independent participant Caroline Lofthouse from NOF. NOF is a not-for-profit business development organisation helping to make connections between national businesses and the energy sector.
Further information about the community fund and information on how to apply for grants and scholarships can be found here: www.doggerbank.com/about/community/
See who benefitted in the latest round of Dogger Bank operator fund grants:
East Riding of Yorkshire:
Driffield Town Cricket Club – Wi-Fi for 2 cricket pavilions
Mires Beck Nursery – defibrillator
Mount Pleasant CE Junior School – play equipment for 7-11 year olds
Talking About Loss – men’s mental health group
Tickton & Routh Parish Council – accessible play equipment
Withernsea Tennis Association – creating 3 all weather tennis courts
University of Hull, educational support for young people
Rowley Parish Council – replacing zebra springer toy in playground
Friends of Burton Constable – events in local community
Other Lives Productions – theatre production for remote village halls
The East Riding Concert Orchestra – professional level concerts in local area
Friends of Hull General Cemetery – improving database to access historical data
The People – photography exhibition
Vixen Broadcasting Ltd – equipment for community radio
Hornsea Language College – in house plastic recycling machine
Friends of Walkington School – improving kitchen
Beverley in Bloom – planting borders in town
North Holderness Museum of Village Life – tables to allow better use of space
Kilham Playing Field Association – lawnmower
Beeford Bowling Club – new equipment
Beeford Lawn Tennis – tennis balls and lawn maintenance
Young Playwrights – online project and digital access for home-schooled children
Walkington Bowling Club – repair to store
Humber Stem Festival – STEM festival
Roos School – recycling bins
Redcar and Cleveland:
Blam Blam Fever Promotions C.I.C – marquee music festival
Marske Bowling Club – roller for mower
Darkside Diving Redcar – compressor
South Tyneside:
South Shields Cricket Club – coach for additional sessions for young girls
South Shields & Westoe RFC Juniors – costs of coaching and first aid courses to meet standards
Diverse Friends – events across year for disabled people
South Tyneside FC – kit for football club
South Shields FC Foundation – sphero bolts for stem club coding
Whitburn Library – upgrade heating system to reduce bills
South Shields Under 10s girls football team – winter football kit
Hoodex CIC – boxing ring
Bright Futures NE – extension to summer programme
Money Advice South Tyneside – support provision of money advice service
Churches Together South Tyneside – promotion and volunteer retention & training
Boldon Festival Association – finale of festival
3rd July 2024 in Community News
Are you aged 14 – 19 and curious about a career in offshore wind? Here’s an exciting opportunity to get an exclusive look behind the scenes at the world’s largest offshore wind farm.
Join us for an immersive day at Dogger Bank Wind Farm’s Operations Base and discover what a future in offshore wind could look like for you.
What’s in Store for You?
🍽️ Lunch on our State-of-the-Art Service Operations Vessel: Experience the day-to-day life at sea while enjoying a meal on our cutting-edge vessel, courtesy of North Star Renewables.
🚢 Tour of the Dogger Bank Wind Farm Operations Base: Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at where the action happens.
🤝 Meet Engineers and Ship Crew: Engage with the professionals who keep our operations running smoothly and learn from their expertise.
🔧 On Experience with a Test Rig: Roll up your sleeves and try your hand at operating a test rig, giving you practical insight into the work we do.
Event Details
Date & Time:
– 15 August from 10am – 4pm
– 27 August from 10am – 4pm
Address: Port of Tyne, South Shields, NE34 9PT
How to Sign Up
Interested? Sign up today to secure your spot.
Register here: https://doggerbankwindfarm.eventbrite.com
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to get an inside look at the world of offshore wind energy.
