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.
29th July 2024 in Community News, Project news
Four Tees Valley schoolchildren have had their writing skills recognised in a World Book Day competition.
The 500-word challenge to create an energy-themed superhero story, was launched in March.
The competition was part of the Dogger Bank Wind Farm-funded Building our Futures programme, which aims to embed STEM careers education into every primary school in Redcar and Cleveland, through engaging workshops supported by local employers.
The programme is delivered by Redcar and Cleveland Voluntary Development Agency (RCVDA) with strategic support and guidance from Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council.
Judges from Dogger Bank Wind Farm and its civil engineering contractor, Keltbray, were joined by local poet and published author Bob Beagrie, to decide on the winning entries.
Sammy from KTS Academy was selected as the winner, with her tale of Ice Man and his ability to rescue penguins and polar bears by refreezing melting ice caps.
Connie of St Joseph’s Primary in Loftus, Leah of Handale Primary in Loftus and Bonnie of Dormanstown Primary, were all recognised as highly-commended runner-ups. Bonnie was selected for a special silver award for impressing the judges with her exceptional use of descriptive language.
Customer and social value lead for Keltbray, Stuart Culley, said:
“It was an honour for Keltbray to be involved in this short story writing competition. Across every area of our business, we’re committed to engaging with young people and raising aspirations for the science, technology, engineering and maths-based careers that are available. It’s particularly been of interest to see how the children have used the creative aspects, to share their understanding of the construction industry, our drive towards carbon reduction / net-zero projects and leaving a legacy for future generations. We really enjoyed reading their work, we hope that together we’ve been able to inspire future generations to work in the field of renewable energy.”
Middlesbrough poet and published author, Bob Beagrie, said:
“As a published writer, I was taken aback by the quality of the young people’s creative writing, the sophistication of language, narrative ideas and their imagination in creative Net Zero superhero stories for the Doggerbank Windfarm.”
The Building Our Futures programme has now provided STEM career workshops for more than 4,000 primary school children, from 36 schools in Redcar and Cleveland. 73 local employers have given up a combined 377 hours to contribute to its success in its first two years.
Find out more here: Building Our Futures – RCVDA
25th July 2024 in Community News
Nine charitable organisations in the Tees Valley have shared in a £17,000 cash windfall from the sale of scraps of metal cable, from the third phase of Dogger Bank Wind Farm.
The wind farm and its cable manufacturer, NKT, cashed in the leftover cuts of cable with a local scrap metal merchant following completion of the project’s onshore HVDC cable installation work in the Tees Valley.
As well as ensuring the leftover material at Dogger Bank C was disposed of in the most sustainable way, the wind farm and its delivery partner decided to handover the proceeds of the sale to local communities.
The construction team asked for local contractors to nominate charities that were providing critical support to local people and they selected:
- Great North Ambulance
- Cash For Kids
- PAPYRUS
- Zoe’s Place
- Marske Sports and Recreation Partnership
- RNLI
- Teesside Hospice
- Guide Dogs
- Re-engage
Dogger Bank Wind Farm onshore package manager, Stephen Reynolds, said:
“Local charities provide a valuable service to the people living and working in our key communities, and richly deserve this financial boost. We hope this small gesture will make a difference to these critical local causes.”
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.
