13th May 2025 in Project news
- The Crown Estate Capacity Increase Programme will unlock 4.7GW of additional UK capacity including up to 2GW from Dogger Bank D.
- Dogger Bank D is the proposed fourth phase to increase the size of the 3.6GW Dogger Bank Wind Farm.
- Project development maximises capacity from the eastern part of the Dogger Bank C seabed lease area to make the world’s biggest offshore wind farm even bigger.
- SSE and Equinor each own 50% of the proposed Dogger Bank D development.
SSE and Equinor, developers of the proposed Dogger Bank D offshore wind farm, welcome the decision by The Crown Estate to proceed with its Capacity Increase Programme to maximise the potential of existing offshore wind lease areas in the UK.
The decision, which has been agreed by the UK Secretary of State for Energy & Net Zero, allows for the ongoing progression of the up to 2GW Dogger Bank D project, a proposed fourth phase of the 3.6GW Dogger Bank Wind Farm currently in construction in the North Sea.
The Crown Estate’s Capacity Increase Programme was first announced in November 2023. The programme allows for the existing seabed rights agreements of seven fixed-bottom offshore windfarms located around England and Wales to be amended, subject to agreement of terms with The Crown Estate, to unlock 4.7GW of increased available capacity for new green electricity production.
These include the existing seabed lease area agreement for Dogger Bank C, the third phase of Dogger Bank Wind Farm. By amending this lease in agreement with The Crown Estate, SSE and Equinor can maximise the capacity of the eastern portion of the Dogger Bank C seabed lease area to unlock potential capacity of up to 2GW of new renewable energy at what would be Dogger Bank D, for the UK energy system.
Paul Cooley, Director of Offshore Wind, SSE Renewables said:
“This decision marks a further milestone in the progression of SSE’s offshore wind pipeline off the coast of England in the UK North Sea. The addition of Dogger Bank D would make our existing 3.6GW Dogger Bank project, the world’s biggest offshore wind farm currently being built off the UK, even bigger.
“Working with our joint venture partner, we now look forward to engaging closely with The Crown Estate on the next steps to agree the progression of Dogger Bank D, while also progressing the project to secure a new Development Consent Order. If delivered Dogger Bank D can play a vital contribution towards the UK’s clean power targets from offshore wind.”
Melissa Read, Head of Regional Development UK, Equinor said:
“This innovative approach allows us to unlock further value and volume from the Dogger Bank seabed, whilst protecting the marine environment.
“Dogger Bank D would allow for more renewable energy, which is key to meet the UK Government’s offshore wind and net zero ambitions and further progress the UK’s energy transition.”
The decision to proceed with the Capacity Increase Programme follows the conclusion of a plan-Level Habitats Regulation Assessment (HRA) by The Crown Estate to assess the effects of the capacity increase on protected habitats. Under the decision the capacity increase will proceed based on a derogation, with compensation measures to address identified impacts on marine habitats and species.
The proposed Dogger Bank D project was first announced in 2023. In July 2024, SSE and Equinor established commercial terms with The Crown Estate around an amendment to the existing Dogger Bank C seabed lease, subject to the outcome of the plan-Level HRA.
The Dogger Bank D project would connect to the national electricity infrastructure network at National Grid’s planned new 400kV substation at Birkhill Wood in East Riding of Yorkshire.
A non-statutory community consultation on the project took place in autumn 2024, with a statutory consultation due to take place in summer 2025.
The delivery of Dogger Bank D is subject to a new Development Consent Order as well as a final investment decision by the 50:50 joint venture partners SSE Renewables and Equinor.
The existing 3.6GW Dogger Bank Wind Farm is a joint venture between SSE Renewables (40%), Equinor (40%) and Vårgrønn (20%). The project was awarded rights in The Crown Estate’s Offshore Wind Leasing Round 3 and is currently under construction in three 1.2GW phases: A, B and C.
27th March 2025 in Uncategorised
Dogger Bank Wind Farm has submitted a request to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero to amend the wording in its Development Consent Order, to allow for phases A and B of the project to progress separately through the OFTO sales process. As part of this application and in line with the Planning Act 2008, we have now opened a formal period of consultation with stakeholders on the proposed wording amendments.
Further details of this process are available in the Reg 6 notice below.
Doggerbank Offshore Wind Farm Project 1 Projco Limited and Doggerbank Offshore Wind Farm Project 2 Projco Limited at No. 1 Forbury Place 43 Forbury Road, Reading, United Kingdom, RG1 3JH.
- Email contact is possible by contacting:
DoggerBankConsentsConsultations@sse.com.
- The application documents and details of the changes proposed by this NMC Application are available for inspection, free of charge, at the “Documents” tab on the National Infrastructure Planning Portal’s Dogger Bank Creyke Beck page here:
https://national-infrastructure-consenting.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/projects/EN010021
- For general enquiries on how to obtain any of the documents or on the information contained within them, please contact Dorothee Neun at the Applicant (neun@sse.com or 0141 224 7248).
- A free digital copy of the application documents can also be obtained from the Applicant using the contact details provided above. This will be available until the deadline for responses set out below closes. Alternatively, a paper copy can be obtained from the Applicant for a charge of £300.
- Please send any representations about the application by email to the Planning Inspectorate at:
dbcreykebeck@planninginspectorate.gov.uk
or in writing to:
Major Applications & Plans, The Planning Inspectorate, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square Temple Quay, Bristol BS1 6PN.
Please quote ‘Dogger Bank Creyke Beck’ on any correspondence. Any representations received by the Secretary of State in response to the consultation will be published on the Planning Inspectorate’s Infrastructure Planning Portal (https://national-infrastructure-consenting.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/) with all personal information removed.
- The deadline for receipt of representations is 23:59 on 5 May 2025.
Doggerbank Offshore Wind Farm Project 1 Projco Limited and Doggerbank Offshore Wind Farm Project 2 Projco Limited
12th March 2025 in Community News
The co-ordinator of our Dogger Bank Wind Farm-funded ‘Building Our Futures’ programme has been recognised at the Redcar and Cleveland Inspiring Women Awards.
Redcar and Cleveland Voluntary Development Agency’s Jacqui Hutchinson, was a finalist in the Inspiring Others Category at the recent event, held to coincide with International Women’s Day 2025.
Dogger Bank Wind Farm started funding the primary STEM careers programme in Redcar and Cleveland in 2022, and Jacqui has been fundamental to the successful rollout of the programme to more than 4,000 schoolchildren from 36 schools.
Commenting on becoming a runner-up in the awards, Jacqui said:
“I was absolutely delighted to be nominated for this award by Rachel, on behalf of Dogger Bank Wind Farm.
“It’s been the honour of my career to deliver the Building our Futures programme and to be shortlisted in such esteemed company as Katie Coates and Helen Bartram. My congratulation go to Katie Coates for her deserving win.”
Rachel Lawrence, Community Engagement Manager for Dogger Bank Wind Farm and award nominator, said:
“Jacqui is a thoroughly deserving finalist in this award category. She has been a superb ambassador for science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) careers in Redcar and Cleveland, and the driving force behind this pioneering education programme.
“We know many young people in Redcar and Cleveland will have a brighter future because of the work Jacqui has done to unlock their future potential in the world of work.”
In June 2024, 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.
Dogger Bank will use this funding to support local communities through three key programmes: STEM education and careers programmes, the Dogger Bank scholarship programme, and community grants via the operators fund.
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.
7th March 2025 in Community News
Representatives from Dogger Bank Wind Farm shared their career stories with more than 700 young people to mark National Careers Week 2025.
In a series of events across our key communities, representatives from the project talked to schoolchildren about the breadth of opportunities in net zero industries, and shared their personal experiences on the world’s largest offshore wind farm.
From careers fairs in Redcar and Cleveland to sustainability discussions in East Riding of Yorkshire, the team has helped young people to explore, discover and get excited about matching their skills and abilities with future career options.
A highlight of the week was a live Q&A with a wind turbine commissioning team on board a Dogger Bank Wind Farm vessel, currently deployed in the North Sea. More than 300 pupils from 6 Teesside schools took the opportunity to quiz the team about their work building the world’s largest offshore wind farm, and were surprised to learn about the variety of roles on a turbine commissioning vessel.
Rachel Lawrence, Community Engagement Manager for Dogger Bank Wind Farm, said:
“We’ve had an incredible week answering probing questions about our work on this world-leading renewable energy project, and we’ve met some very promising future pioneers for our sector.
“It’s hugely important for young people to meet real life role models who work in offshore wind, to help shape their dreams and ambitions, as well as learn about the world around them.
“Connecting 12 Teesside schools with our offshore commissioning team through an interactive Q&A was a real highlight, and gave the children an ability to imagine what their working life could be like if they choose to pursue a career in offshore wind.
“Huge thanks to all the schools and organisations that invited us to share our stories, and to all the young people for their brilliant and thought-provoking questions.”
20th December 2024 in Community News
- Dogger Bank Wind Farm and Sofia Offshore Wind Farm extend support for North Sea Conservation, the charity behind the Whitby Lobster Hatchery
- Further financial commitment from the two wind farm projects will support the education and conservation project’s long-term sustainability
Dogger Bank wind Farm and RWE’s Sofia Offshore Wind Farm have committed to increasing and extending their support for the North Sea Conservation charity with a new £50,000 donation paid jointly by the two wind farms.
North Sea Conservation operates Whitby Lobster Hatchery, a project that is currently in the process of releasing 100,000 juvenile lobsters into the North Sea. The project is committed to ensuring the seas are sustainable and rich in diversity for years to come, providing invaluable stocks of crustaceans for the local fishing industry, thereby safeguarding the region’s primary economy while improving marine biodiversity.
This latest sponsorship will provide new premises for North Sea Conservation, including research space, which will enable the development of future projects, including an improvement in research potential.
Support from the wind farm projects goes directly towards the work of the Whitby Lobster Hatchery helping the project to deliver on its key aims of conservation, education and research.
Whitby Lobster Hatchery General Manager, Joe Redfern, said:
“We have always had high ambitions for the impact our project can have on the marine environment. The support we have received from both offshore projects has been a huge help in starting to realise those ambitions. We are really grateful for their support and are glad to be working with them into the future.”
As well as helping with the hatchery equipment, the support from the two offshore wind farms will assist the charity’s ambitious endeavours to release 100,000 lobsters each year. By rearing lobster larvae in the hatchery, the charity will dramatically boost the lobsters’ chance of survival. The conservation charity has high ambitions to ensure the protection and conservation of lobster populations in the region and help ensure the future of our fishing fleets.
Dogger Bank Wind Farm Lead Offshore Consents Manager, Elizabeth Reynolds, said:
“It’s been our great privilege to see this education and conservation project grow since we started working with them a number of years ago.
“The organisation is already achieving impressive results for both its work releasing juvenile lobsters, and its local engagement and educational outreach. This further investment aims to help the organisation to secure its long-term growth and sustainability and builds on the legacy we’ve created through investment in our key communities.”
Matthew Swanwick, Sofia’s Project Director, said:
“Each year, wind farm projects operated by RWE invest more than £5million into community funds. Our approach is holistic and inclusive. We provide funding which enhances community services, boosts tourism, creates training grants for young people with the support offered both holistic and inclusive.
“One of our key priorities of our Sofia project development fund is to support sustainability and promote responsible stewardship of the environment. We see enormous value in the work of the Whitby Lobster Hatchery and are proud to be one of their sponsors.”
Both wind farms are located on the Dogger Bank area of seabed, more than 80 miles off the Yorkshire coast, with their export cables coming ashore on Teesside. Sofia is owned by RWE and Dogger Bank Wind Farm is a joint venture between SSE Renewables, Equinor and Vårgrønn.
