1st May 2026 in Community News
Students gain behind‑the‑scenes insight and celebrate the impact of scholarship support
Scholarship recipients from across the North and North East of England gathered last week at the Dogger Bank Wind Farm Operations and Maintenance (O&M) base in South Shields to celebrate the 2026 Dogger Bank Scholarship Day.
The event brought together students supported through the Dogger Bank Wind Farm Scholarship scheme for a day of tours, discussions and first-hand insight into the offshore wind industry. Designed to recognise students’ achievements and offer a practical understanding of the sector, the day highlighted the role education plays in supporting the future science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) workforce. The event was supported by North Star, who are supplying the four Service Operations Vessels on Dogger Bank.
During the visit, scholars toured the purpose-built O&M base that will play a critical role in operating Dogger Bank, which will become the world’s largest offshore wind farm upon completion.
For many of the students, the visit brought their studies to life and offered a connection between their academic learning and real‑world energy production.
Harry, a Dogger Bank Wind Farm scholar from Redcar and Cleveland, said:
“It’s been fantastic to see behind the scenes of the vessels and meet the people who make everything happen. Seeing the boat up close really gives you an appreciation for the effort and expertise involved in producing energy and making it available for people – it’s been an amazing experience.”
The Dogger Bank scholarship scheme supports students studying STEM‑related subjects in higher education from South Tyneside, Redcar and Cleveland, and East Riding of Yorkshire. The financial support is designed to help students focus on their studies, reduce the need for part‑time work, and remove barriers to academic success.
For Tiana from South Tyneside, the scholarship has been invaluable:
“In my first year, I was alternating between crutches and a wheelchair, which meant part‑time work simply wasn’t an option. The support I’ve received has made a huge difference, it’s allowed me to move out in my third year, gain independence, and focus on my studies, knowing my accommodation costs are covered. That peace of mind has been invaluable.
Harry and Tiana at the Dogger Bank O&M base
Scott, another scholarship recipient from South Tyneside, echoed the academic benefits of the support:
“The support has had a real impact on me academically. It’s meant I haven’t had to work long hours alongside my studies, allowing me to properly focus on and appreciate my degree. As a student living away from home, that support has made a huge difference.”
Scott onboard one of the Dogger Bank SOVs
Will, a Dogger Bank Wind Farm scholar from the East Riding of Yorkshire, said:
“With such a high workload, taking on a part time job while at Cambridge is next to impossible. Being awarded the scholarship has provided some very welcome assistance to that financial burden. Visiting the base also gave me a great insight into the behind-the-scenes parts of the project. It’s incredible how much more effort goes into keeping things running smoothly than you might otherwise think.”
The 2026 Scholarship Day reinforced Dogger Bank Wind Farm’s long‑term commitment to the communities closest to the project, supporting local talent and helping students build pathways into future careers in science, technology, engineering and maths.
Kay Doragh, Community Investment Manager at Dogger Bank Wind Farm, said:
“It’s been a pleasure to host the Scholarship Celebration Day for the second year and welcome our scholars to the Dogger Bank O&M base. This day is about more than celebrating achievements, it’s about empowering students and recognising their potential. Each of our scholarship recipients represents the future of the UK’s STEM sectors, and it’s inspiring to see the impact they are already beginning to make.”
The Dogger Bank Wind Farm scholarship programme continues to play a key role in widening access to education and supporting the next generation.
Looking ahead, the scholarship will continue as an annual programme, building skills for the future and supporting young people to achieve their goals by providing 30 further education scholarships each year to local students.
Dogger Bank Wind Farm has also committed to investing a further £26 million directly in local communities to STEM education, and to support vital grassroots community initiatives.
8th April 2026 in Community News
Ideas Take Shape at Orbital FX
The Little Inventors programme, delivered in partnership with Dogger Bank Wind Farm and South Tyneside Council, is supporting real world innovation by bringing four children’s creative, ocean-inspired ideas to life with the support of local businesses
Four outstanding ideas were selected from hundreds of submissions to be developed into physical prototypes. The winning inventions and their sponsoring businesses are:
- Puffy Coat by 7-year-old Lillie, sponsored by Ford Aerospace. Inspired by the puffer fish, this garment is designed to “puff up” to help the wearer feel safer, braver, and more confident.
- Crabey 3000 by Isla, sponsored by North Star.
- 5G Power Paddle by Dexter.
- Magni-Sub by 11-year-old Oliver, which is being brought to life by Osbit.
The projects for Lillie’s Puffy Coat, Isla’s Crabey 3000, and Dexter’s 5G Power Paddle will be brought to life by North East based creative fabrication specialists Orbital FX. During initial design visits, the young inventors and their families met the creative team helping to turn their drawings into reality.
Luke Daley from Orbital FX played a key role in the sessions, creating a collaborative environment and encouraging the children to think about how their concepts might work in the real world.
Luke shared his thoughts on the experience:
“Having the kids visit was brilliant – their energy and curiosity really brought the workshop to life. It was fantastic to see them getting hands-on, asking questions, and engaging with how ideas turn into real, physical creations. Moments like that are exactly why we’re so passionate about what we do”.
Inventions shown: Magni-Sub (left) and Puffy Coat (right)
The children and their parents shared the excitement:
Lillie, inventor of the Puffy Coat, said she:
“loved showing everyone my invention and talking about how it could work. I’m excited to see what it looks like when it’s finished”. Her mother, Tammy, noted, “The team made her feel listened to and encouraged, and that kind of experience really helps children believe in their creativity and what they’re capable of”.
Isla, inventor of Crabey 3000, shared that it was:
“really cool explaining how my invention works and hearing how they might build it. I can’t wait to see what it looks like when it’s finished”.
Dexter, creator of the 5G Power Paddle, exclaimed:
“It was amazing meeting the people who are going to help make my invention. It made me realise that ideas you draw at school can actually turn into something real”.
Craig Bright, General Manager of Little Inventors, highlighted the value of these sessions:
“When children see professionals listening carefully to their ideas and taking them seriously, it sends a powerful message that creativity and imagination have real value. Seeing that first conversation between the inventors and the brilliant Orbital FX team was incredibly exciting”.
Oliver’s Magni-Sub project also celebrated a major milestone as he visited Osbit’s base at the Port of Blyth with his mother, Kay, and Craig Bright. The visit marked the first in-person collaboration with the global engineering company.
Oliver Visits Osbit to Launch Magni-Sub Build
Oliver and Tom Griffiths, Engineer at Osbit, began discussing how the original drawings could be translated into a physical prototype, exploring materials and mechanisms while ensuring Oliver’s vision remained central to the design.
Oliver said:
“It was really cool seeing where my invention might be made. I liked talking about how it could work in real life. It made me feel proud that engineers are helping me build it”.
Tom Griffiths noted:
“Oliver brought fantastic energy and creativity to our discussions. It’s been great to start looking at how we can turn his concept into something physical while keeping his original thinking at the heart of the project”.
Kay Doragh, Dogger Bank Community Investment Manager, said:
“Since 2022, we’ve been proud to support the Little Inventors programme in South Tyneside, helping young people turn big ideas into real world innovations.
“By encouraging creativity and showing children how their ideas can contribute to tackling challenges, the programme also helps them see the exciting opportunities and careers emerging right here on their doorstep as part of the offshore wind and energy sector.”
Looking Ahead
All four prototypes – Puffy Coat, Crabey 3000, 5G Power Paddle, and Magni-Sub – will be unveiled at a public exhibition at The Word in South Shields in 2027. This event will celebrate the inventiveness of young people and the strength of collaboration between South Tyneside businesses and the programme.
Dogger Bank Wind Farm and South Tyneside Council have supported the Little Inventors programme since 2022 as part of a shared commitment to STEM education the region’s future. Drawing inspiration from the Dogger Bank – the world’s largest offshore wind farm – being built off the North East coast, the partnership has helped thousands of local school children explore renewable energy, climate action and the role innovation plays in shaping the future.
Dogger Bank is proud to be investing £26 million in local communities. This funding will enhance STEM education and create opportunities for the next generation of engineers, technicians, and innovators.
2nd April 2026 in Community News
Dogger Bank Wind Farm is supporting the next generation of energy professionals through its annual scholarship programme for students from host communities studying STEM‑related degrees.
The scholarship scheme provides financial support alongside practical insights into the offshore wind industry, helping students focus on their studies while building pathways into future careers.
Beverley Parkey, a recent scholarship recipient, describes the impact the programme has had on her studies in Environmental Science.
“Receiving the scholarship during the 2024–2025 academic year relieved the financial pressures of being a mature student with caring responsibilities, allowing me to fully concentrate on my degree,” Beverley said. “Alongside the financial assistance, I was invited to visit the operations and maintenance base, gaining valuable insight into the industry and the different career pathways available.”
Since receiving the scholarship, Beverley has also worked with Equinor on a consultancy project as part of her final‑year studies, gaining vital workplace experience.
“I now have increased confidence in my ability and I am overwhelmingly grateful for the continued support.”
29th January 2026 in Community News
- The Operator Fund community grants are available to community projects in South Tyneside, East Riding of Yorkshire, and Redcar and Cleveland.
- Dogger Bank Wind Farm provides £80,000 of funding to the Operator Fund each year.
- Each community grant will provide up to £1,000 of funding.
Community projects across South Tyneside, Redcar and Cleveland, and the East Riding of Yorkshire are invited to apply for the 2026 round of the Dogger Bank Operator Fund.
At Dogger Bank Wind Farm, we’re dedicated to empowering our local coastal communities. This year, £80,000 has been allocated to support grassroots initiatives.
Community projects and local organisations can now apply for grants of up to £1,000 at doggerbank.com/about/community
Investing in our local communities
The funding decisions are guided by a panel of experts from joint venture partners Equinor and SSE Renewables, alongside independent representatives from NOF, the business development organisation behind the North East’s offshore wind cluster, Energi Coast.
The Operator Fund is a core pillar of Dogger Bank’s £25 million community fund, designed to support coastal communities throughout the wind farm’s operational lifespan. In addition to this, the fund is working to enhance STEM education and develop skills for a net-zero future throughout its operational lifespan.
“We are incredibly proud to continue our support for the local projects that make these regions thrive,” says Kay Doragh, Community Investment Manager. “From helping young people find their first career steps to installing solar lighting for village safety, these grants make a tangible difference. We look forward to seeing the innovative projects the 2026 applications will bring to the table.”
Neurokey, a community project from Redcar and Cleveland, said:
“We piloted the unique Specialist Community Navigator for neurodiverse young people in Redcar and with the help of Dogger Bank funding we were able to reach out to 20 parent carers who had been isolated and deemed not to fit access criteria for SEND support. We liaised with 5 schools to improve understanding of the range of neurodivergence and lobbied the NE Integrated Care System to explain how poor professional knowledge was driving a negative life impact.”
The Walkington Ukulele Festival
Gary and Hazel Hughes, organisers of the Walkington Ukulele Festival in The East Riding of Yorkshire, said:
“The Walkington Ukulele Festival (WUF) 2025 was a huge success with over two hundred ukulele enthusiasts and music lovers attending from the local community and from across the UK.
“After all our efforts to deliver a successful Ukulele Festival we were thrilled that the Walkington Ukulele Festival was recently nominated for the ‘Community Event of the Year’ in the national Ukies Awards, the equivalent of the Oscars of the ukulele world.
“Furthermore, another positive impact of the festival is that a new Ukulele Group has been established at the local Walkington Primary School and our charity The Stephen Hughes Foundation has funded a class set of ukuleles.
“The grant from the Dogger Bank Wind Farm Operator Fund was integral to delivering a successful festival and we are enormously thankful for the support provided.”
Bilton Hall Amateur Boxing Club
Marty Devlin from Bilton Hall Amateur Boxing Club in South Tyneside said:
“We are delighted with the new Ergo boxing gloves that we have purchased with the grant we received from the Dogger Bank Wind Farm Operator Fund.
“The gloves used in Amateur boxing have to be well padded and of very good quality for safety purposes and are expensive. A lot of our members find them unaffordable so when we heard about the fund we thought it may be a good idea to apply. When we later heard we had been successful in our application we let our young boxers know and it was like an early Xmas present for them, they could not wait to wear them.”
Key Funding Details
Local organisations with a formal constitution can apply for grants to support projects that enhance the quality of life for residents near the wind farm’s grid connections and its operations and maintenance base.
Community grants can be used to enhance quality of life for local residents; contribute to vibrant, healthy, successful and sustainable communities; and/or promote community spirit and encourage community activity.
About Dogger Bank Wind Farm
Located over 130km off the Yorkshire coast, Dogger Bank is a joint venture between SSE Renewables, Equinor, and Vårgrønn. Once fully completed, it will generate enough renewable energy to power around six million UK homes. SSE Renewables is leading on Dogger Bank construction and delivery while Equinor will operate the wind farm on completion. Vårgrønn brings specialist offshore wind expertise to the project.
How to Apply
Eligible community projects and local organizations can submit their applications via the official website here: doggerbank.com/about/community/
6th November 2025 in Community News, Press releases, Project news, Supply Chain
An independent report published today reveals that Dogger Bank Wind Farm, which will become the world’s largest offshore wind farm once fully operational, will boost the UK economy by £6.1 billion during its lifetime and support thousands of UK jobs over the next three decades.
The report, written by economic consultants BVG Associates, finds the £6.1 billion GDP contribution will be driven by significant investment in UK companies, jobs and skills during the lifecycle of Dogger Bank.
At 3.6GW, Dogger Bank will become the world’s largest offshore wind farm when fully operational and will be capable of generating enough power for around 6 million UK homes each year. Already, the project is beginning to generate homegrown renewable energy from initial commissioning at its first phase, which is being transmitted along subsea high voltage transmission cables for use by UK consumers.
The economic impact report was commissioned by Dogger Bank Wind Farm’s equity partners SSE, Equinor and Vårgrønn who are currently constructing the offshore wind farm in three 1.2GW phases at adjoining sites in the North Sea more than 130km from the Yorkshire Coast.
Direct spend with companies in the North-East of England and in the counties of North Yorkshire and East Riding of Yorkshire is expected to total over £3 billion, with hundreds of jobs supported in these regions. To date this has included jobs in companies such as Jones Bros, Bowmer and Kirkland, Boston Energy and Tekmar.
With the project beginning to generate from initial commissioning at its first phase, full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs supported across the UK by Dogger Bank are expected to reach 3,600 over 2025. 1,500 of these jobs will be in the North-East of England and North Yorkshire and East Riding of Yorkshire.
A significant number of UK jobs will also continue through Dogger Bank’s operational life of at least 35 years, with an average of 1,400 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs expected to be supported over this period, which are predominantly highly skilled. These will also include roles for trainees and apprentices.
Dogger Bank Wind Farm has also committed to investing a further £26 million directly in local communities to enhance science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) education, and to support vital grassroots community initiatives. This community investment scheme includes a scholarship programme for STEM students, with 123 grants already awarded to students in East Riding of Yorkshire, Redcar and Cleveland and South Tyneside.
Energy Minister Michael Shanks said:
“Clean, homegrown power is the right choice for families and industry right across the country. Wind power is cheaper, cleaner and more secure than new gas – helping us bring down bills for good.
“As shown by this independent report, offshore wind projects such as Dogger Bank will generate billions for the UK, while also delivering thousands of good jobs – showing once again that clean power is the economic opportunity of the 21st century.”
Dogger Bank Wind Farm Project Director, Olly Cass, said:
“People have always been at the heart of everything we do on Dogger Bank Wind Farm. Even from the early days of planning, there was an inherent drive from everyone involved to see what value we could unlock through this extraordinary engineering masterpiece.
”Offshore wind is a global sector with a global supply chain, but this report proves we have the skills, expertise and desire in the UK to fuel the energy transition and create economic value that’s far-reaching. The ripple effects of our UK spend, generating £6.1 billion for the UK economy, can be felt from the Highlands of Scotland, down to the south coast, and plenty more in between.
“BVGA’s report also gives us a chance to reflect on important lessons learned, so we can use Dogger Bank as the springboard for future economic growth in the UK in our development of critical energy infrastructure.”
Alun Roberts, Director of Economics, BVG Associates, said:
“Our independent analysis shows the significant impact of the Dogger Bank Wind Farm. Our economic model shows that the boost to the economy and jobs is sustained through the life of the project. This is vital for sustaining political support for offshore wind.”
Jones Bros senior contracts manager, James Lockwood, said:
“As a company, we are always eager to give our apprentices and trainees valuable on-site experience, and as the world’s largest offshore wind farm, Dogger Bank is a hugely significant project to be a part of.
“The numbers speak for themselves, with five higher apprentices and three trainee engineer apprentices working on Dogger Bank, whilst we also recruited 28 ground worker trainees and 18 plant operative apprentices.
“I know it has always brought everyone from senior managers to trainees and apprentices a great sense of pride to be associated with the scheme.”
BVGA’s report is available here: https://doggerbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Dogger-Bank-Wind-Farm-economic-impact-report-by-BVG-Associates.pdf
Dogger Bank Wind Farm’s summary report in response to BVGA’s findings, which includes lessons learned, is available here: Dogger-Bank_Social-impact-report-2025.pdf
