30th August 2024 in Project news
Following the blade event on 22 August on an installed turbine at the Dogger Bank A offshore wind farm construction site, Dogger Bank Wind Farm has been working closely with turbine manufacturer, GE Vernova, to investigate the root cause of the event.
GE Vernova analysis has shown that this blade event was not caused by an installation or manufacturing issue but instead occurred during the commissioning process.
GE Vernova analysis has established that during the commissioning process being performed by GE Vernova, the turbine was left in a fixed and static position, rendering it vulnerable during a subsequent storm with high winds.
The surrounding marine area at the site remains restricted in line with safety procedures. Installation activities at the site will restart in the coming days.
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.
22nd August 2024 in Project news
We are aware of a blade failure which occurred this morning on an installed turbine at Dogger Bank A offshore wind farm, which is currently under construction. In line with safety procedures, the surrounding marine area has been restricted and relevant authorities notified. No one was injured or in the vicinity at the time the damage was sustained.
We are working closely with the turbine manufacturer, GE Vernova, which has initiated an investigation into the cause of the incident.
Further updates will be issued in due course as more information becomes available.
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.
