1st July 2021 in Community News, Press releases, Project news
- The scholarship fund will support students undertaking courses focussed on science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), to help young people prepare for working life in a net zero world.
- The programme will be open to students in South Tyneside, Redcar and Cleveland and East Riding of Yorkshire.
- 50 scholarships will be available during the construction of the wind farm, for students in these communities studying science, technology, engineering and maths subjects to support the cost of further education.
Students from coastal communities in the north and north-east of England can apply for a new scholarship fund to prepare them for working life in a net zero world.
Dogger Bank Wind Farm recognises the education of young people has been impacted by the pandemic and is committed to supporting the green recovery by helping the next generation to gain the jobs of the future.
The scholarship fund will focus on the areas of East Riding of Yorkshire, and Redcar and Cleveland, where the windfarm connects to the National Grid, as well as South Tyneside, where the Operation and Maintenance Base will be located.
The scholarship fund will provide grants of £5,000 to 50 local students undertaking science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) courses in further education. The scholarship is to be used towards tuition fees.
The first round of the scholarship fund is open for applications until 30 September 2021 and further details can be found at www.doggerbank.com.
Steve Wilson, Project Director from Dogger Bank Wind Farm said
“We recognise the difficulties young people have had during the pandemic and we want to help the recovery. Our scholarship fund will help local students to prepare for the highly-skilled jobs that will be available in a net zero world. We look forward to supporting and inspiring the workforce of the future as we continue our work to build the world’s largest offshore wind farm.”
Dogger Bank Wind Farm will be located more than 130 km off the Yorkshire coast and will generate enough renewable energy to power six million UK homes. A joint venture between SSE Renewables, Equinor and Eni, SSE Renewables is leading on Dogger Bank construction and delivery while Equinor will operate the wind farm on completion.
In June Dogger Bank Wind Farm unveiled plans for a £1 million construction fund to support the coastal communities where its onshore infrastructure is being developed. The programme includes a significant investment in science, technology, engineering and maths, as well as an operators fund to support local causes. Further information is available here.
18th June 2021 in Community News, Press releases, Project news
- The money will be focussed on science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) learning, to help young people prepare for working life in a net zero world.
- The programme will reach out to 142 UK schools in the East Riding of Yorkshire and North East of England, and support more than 25,000 young people.
- 50 scholarships will also be available during the construction of the wind farm, for students in these communities studying science, technology, engineering and maths subjects to support the cost of further education.
- Apprenticeships and Skills Minister Gillian Keegan hails investment as “innovative” way of supporting coastal communities.
Young people from coastal communities in the UK are set to share in a £1 million investment from Dogger Bank Wind Farm to prepare them for working life in a net zero world.
In a programme being developed in partnership with local authorities in the North and North East of England, a total of £1 million has been allocated during the construction of the wind farm, to put science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) at the heart of children’s education, helping them prepare for jobs that will be vital to the green economic recovery of the UK. Additional community funding will be allocated throughout the operational phase of the windfarm.
This construction fund will initially focus on the areas of East Riding of Yorkshire, where the windfarm will connect to the National Grid, and South Tyneside, where the Operation and Maintenance Base will be located.
The programme has been developed with local skills and education stakeholders to ensure it meets local priorities with a focus on early years in East Riding of Yorkshire, and primary to secondary school transition in South Tyneside.
All 124 primary schools in East Riding of Yorkshire and all 18 secondary schools in South Tyneside will have the chance to increase and expand their current science, technology, engineering and maths provision.
Both areas will also look to use the support to enhance their career advice services for school leavers.
Plans are still being drawn up for how the programme will support youngsters in the Redcar and Cleveland area, where the third phase of the wind farm will connect to the National Grid at Lackenby. These will be confirmed when the third phase, Dogger Bank C, reaches its final investment decision later this year.
In addition to enhancing STEM provision in the classroom, during the construction of the wind farm 50 students from these areas will receive a scholarship to help with the cost of further education qualifications while studying STEM subjects.
The £1 million investment also includes an Operators Fund to support other local causes to the value of up to £500. Community projects and local organisations will be able to apply at www.doggerbank.com/about/community/
The Dogger Bank Wind Farm STEM investment is one of the largest commitments to skills ever made by the offshore wind sector.
In addition to this STEM fund, Dogger Bank Wind Farm will invest £13.5 million in the Offshore Wind Growth Partnership during its lifetime, a programme set up to support the growth of the UK offshore wind supply chain. Furthermore, 50% of the wind farm’s rental payments to the Crown Estate will support the Coastal Communities Fund, a UK Government-funded initiative to support the economic growth of coastal areas. Under the current arrangement the funds received by the Coastal Communities Fund will equate to 1% of the wind farm’s gross revenue, which could amount to tens of millions of pounds being invested in coastal communities during the operation of Dogger Bank Wind Farm.
Apprenticeships and Skills Minister, Gillian Keegan, said:
“As we recover from the pandemic, we’re investing billions of pounds to help the UK become a global leader in green technologies. This includes the creation of up to 250,000 jobs by 2030 through our Ten Point Plan, which will be critical in delivering a green industrial revolution. It’s fantastic to see the developers of Dogger Bank Wind Farm supporting this by investing in science, technology, engineering and maths skills. Not only is the world’s largest offshore wind farm pioneering new technology, it is also innovating in the way it’s supporting coastal communities to ensure young people are equipped to access the green jobs of the future.”
MP for South Shields, Emma Lewell-Buck, said:
“This is such an exciting opportunity for our young people to learn and enhance STEM skills that will equip them and put them at the forefront of skilled jobs in the green economy. I want to thank the Dogger Bank Wind Farm project’s continued investment and commitment to our community, wider region and people.”
Beverley and Holderness MP, Graham Stuart, said:
“This investment from Dogger Bank Wind Farm is really welcome news, and it’s great that it will benefit children across the East Riding and in my constituency of Beverley & Holderness.
“Building up our domestic offshore wind capacity is bringing multiple benefits – from helping us meet our renewable energy commitments, to bringing skilled jobs to the area, to investing in our children’s education.
“I look forward to supporting Dogger Bank into the future as they generate tens of millions of pounds worth of investment into our area.”
Mayor of Tees Valley, Ben Houchen, said:
“Over the last few years Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool have developed a reputation second to none as a powerhouse for clean technology. Not only are we playing a critical role in the manufacturing of offshore windfarm turbines, Dogger Bank C will meet landfall in Redcar. As home to the UK’s biggest freeport, thousands of good-quality, well paid jobs will be created across my region in the green industries of the future. I look forward to working with the developers of Dogger Bank Wind farm so that young people in Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool have the skills they need to take advantage of the opportunities we are creating for local people in clean green industries.”
Steve Wilson, Project Director from Dogger Bank Wind Farm, said:
“We are proud that alongside the jobs and supply chain investments we’ve already attracted to these local economies, we can also help make a real difference to the lives of people in our local communities with this innovative package of support.
“We estimate more than 25,000 young people from 142 schools in the north and north-east of England will benefit from this funding, as we open their eyes to the green industry opportunities of our net zero future.
“Renewable energy will increasingly become a source of skilled jobs in the UK as we come through the pandemic, and rebuild our economy. This is one of the most significant investments the offshore wind industry has made in future skills, and could be the key to unlocking the future potential of many young people, as we put STEM skills at the very heart of their learning.”
Dogger Bank Wind Farm will be located more than 130 km off the Yorkshire coast and will generate enough renewable energy to power six million UK homes. A joint venture between SSE Renewables, Equinor and Eni, SSE Renewables is leading on Dogger Bank construction and delivery while Equinor will operate the wind farm for its lifetime, from a new base to be constructed at Port of Tyne.
Work is already underway on the first two phases of the development in East Riding to prepare the 30km cable route from Ulrome to Creyke Beck Substation, near Beverley.
Ends
For further information:
Media contact – Dogger Bank Wind Farm:
Jason Cooke, SSE Renewables
Jason.cooke@sse.com
+353 (0) 86 264 6710
Media contact – Dogger Bank Wind Farm:
Rachel Lawrence, SSE Renewables
rachel.lawrence@sse.com
+44 (0) 7385 368783
27th November 2020 in Community News, Project news
The Dogger Bank Wind Farm has been able to offer support to more than 22,000 people in East Riding and the Tees Valley during the coronavirus, thanks to the efforts of two leading charities.
The County Durham Community Foundation and the Two Ridings Community Foundation have helped us to distribute around £35,000 to local groups since the start of the pandemic.
These include:
East Riding of Yorkshire (supporting more than 16,500 local people)
- Bridlington & District Samaritans
- Kingstrust Network CIO: Gateway Community Care Hub
- Welcome Centre, Hornsea
- 6th Bridlington Scout Group
- The Hinge Centre Limited
- Home Start – Goole and District
Tees Valley (supporting nearly 6,000 people)
- The Ladies of Steel
- EVA Women’s Aid
- Footprints in the Community
- Coatham House Projects
Steve Wilson, Project Director for Dogger Bank Wind Farm, said: “It has been a great privilege during the coronavirus pandemic to be able to reach out to more than 22,000 people with support from these two invaluable community foundations.
“The charities and organisations we’ve donated to offer a lifeline for families in their areas, helping with everything from foodbank packages and housing, to domestic and sexual abuse counselling and support.
“We’re proud to have played a small role in helping them to keep their doors open at a time when they were needed the most.”
Case study: Ladies of Steel
The community organisations received financial support to help them offer a lifeline for some of the most vulnerable and socially-isolated members of our community. But they couldn’t have done this without the volunteers who’ve made great personal sacrifices to maintain critical services.
Chris and Debbie Powlay have distributed more than £15,000-worth of food and essentials to vulnerable and elderly residents on Teesside during this period.
Whether it’s serving afternoon tea for Dormanstown pensioners, delivering medication to a local cancer sufferer or providing free meals for disadvantaged schoolchildren, Chris and Debbie have provided a lifeline to their local community.
“People are extremely grateful for what we do,” said Debbie. “I’ve had people say ‘I’m on my last slice of bread’ or that they have no milk. People have cried on their doorstep.
“I’m a big softie so I do get very emotional. Sometimes it’s happy crying because I see how much it means to them but other times I do come away with a tear in my eye because I’m sad for them.
“Some people are desperate, others are in isolation and are worried that they might have to go out to get food or medicines. Many elderly people aren’t internet-savvy so wouldn’t know where to start with an online shopping order.
“Sadly, people are falling through the cracks and it’s been a delight just to see them smiling.”
Debbie and Chris have delivered nearly 500 food parcels across Dormanstown and nearby areas including Redcar, Marske and Kirkleatham.
Michelle Cooper, Chief Executive of County Durham Community Foundation , said: “It was really heartening to have the Dogger Bank Wind Farm reach out and want to help in the pandemic: this is the future for a responsible and caring business that nourishes the community on its doorstep. By working together in this way, the project has shown compassion and foresight and we have been able to share our local knowledge and trusted connections to get the money where it can make a real difference, quickly.”
Case study: 6th Bridlington Scout Group
And it’s not just adults who’ve been lending a helping hand during this time, children have done their bit too.
The 6th Bridlington Scout Group used their funding from the Dogger Bank Wind Farm to supply essentials, provide distanced Zoom activities for mental wellbeing and support a grow and cook project in one of their deprived communities.
As a result, they’ve been able to reach out to more than 100 different families in Bridlington and its surrounding villages.
“We managed to get care packages to the vulnerable, the elderly, volunteers who have worked throughout the crisis, people who have lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a teenager fighting cancer and of course our scout families, who have been given a boost from your generosity as we cannot be scouting properly and they have enjoyed lots of professional Zoom sessions thanks to your generosity too,” said Ian Taylor.
Jan Garrill, Chief Executive of the Two Ridings Community Foundation, said: “Having this grant via Two Ridings from Dogger Farm Wind Farm has really made a huge difference to the lives of local people because we could put a smile on a lot of people’s faces which made a big impact in this difficult time.
“As not only did we give to the vulnerable, elderly, redundant and sick people we also managed to give boxes to other volunteers which was fantastic as these people have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic and although don’t do it for reward, really appreciated that they had been thought about. And one elderly lady really touched us, as she said she often feels forgotten and this pack really gave her a boost. So we have helped people retain their mental wellbeing throughout this, so thank you very much, you have really made a difference to a lot of people.”
For further information:
Media contact – Dogger Bank Wind Farm:
Rachel Lawrence, SSE Renewables
rachel.lawrence@sse.com
+44 (0) 7385 368783
About Dogger Bank Wind Farm:
- Dogger Bank Wind Farm will be the world’s largest offshore wind farm once complete.
- It is a 50:50 joint venture between Equinor and SSE Renewables.
- SSE Renewables is lead operator for the development and construction of Dogger Bank Wind Farm. Equinor will be lead operator of the wind farm for the duration of the wind farm’s operational phase
- Financial Close on Dogger Bank A and Dogger Bank B was reached in November 2020. Financial Close for Dogger Bank C is expected in late 2021.
- Consent was granted in 2015.
- Located in the North Sea, with each phase more than 130km from the Yorkshire Coast.
- Onshore construction began in 2020, and offshore construction will begin with turbine installation for Dogger Bank A in 2023
- The first phase, Dogger Bank A, is expected to be operational in 2023. The overall wind farm is expected to be completed in 2026.
- A total of 320 skilled jobs for the North East of England associated with the development and operation of Dogger Bank Wind Farm have been announced so far.
- This includes 120 skilled jobs at marshalling harbour Able Seaton Port in Hartlepool during construction, and 200 skilled jobs to be based offshore and at the Port of Tyne for Operations and Maintenance of the wind farm once operational.
- Dogger Bank A and B has confirmed GE’s 13MW Haliade-X as the turbine powering the first two phases of the project. As the first order for the 13MW Haliade-X, installation at Dogger Bank A will be the first time the turbine is installed in the world.
- One rotation of the Haliade-X 13MW blades can power one UK home for more than two days.
- The wind turbines will be installed on monopile foundations.
- The project will be the first High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) connected wind farm in the UK due to its distance from shore.
