12th July 2024 in Press releases
- Co-developers SSE and Equinor establish commercial terms of a proposed Dogger Bank C lease variation to progress Dogger Bank D, subject to the final outcome of The Crown Estate’s Capacity Improvement Programme and associated plan-Level Habitats Regulation Assessment (HRA).
- Up to 2GW Dogger Bank D project is the proposed fourth phase of 3.6GW Dogger Bank Wind Farm
- Project development proposes to maximise capacity from eastern part of Dogger Bank C seabed lease area in a move that can 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, co-developers of the proposed Dogger Bank D fourth phase of Dogger Bank Wind Farm, have established commercial terms with The Crown Estate around an amendment to the existing Dogger Bank C seabed lease. This is subject to the outcome of the Plan-Level Habitats Regulation Assessment (HRA) that is associated with The Crown Estate’s wider Capacity Improvement Programme.
These preliminary terms mark a new milestone in the delivery of a proposed fourth phase of the world’s largest offshore wind farm, the 3.6GW Dogger Bank Wind Farm currently under construction off the coast of Yorkshire, England, in the North Sea.
Announced in 2023, Dogger Bank D has a potential capacity of up to 2GW of new renewable energy for the UK energy system which would be generated from maximising the capacity of the eastern portion of the Dogger Bank C seabed lease area. The move would make Dogger Bank, the world’s biggest offshore wind farm being built off the UK, even bigger.
The Dogger Bank D project is one of seven offshore wind farm projects in development which were identified for potential increases in generating capacity when The Crown Estate announced the Capacity Improvement Programme in November 2023 to unlock up to 4GW of potential new green electricity production. The capacity increases under consideration are within areas where seabed leasing agreements are already in place.
Before a final decision is taken on the Capacity Improvement Programme, The Crown Estate is required to undertake a plan-Level Habitats Regulation Assessment (HRA) in order to assess the implications of the Programme for protected habitats. The HRA seeks to understand the collective environmental impact of the additional capacity across all seven projects.
The commercial terms established by project shareholders SSE and Equinor with The Crown Estate lay the groundwork to progress Dogger Bank D subject to the satisfactory outcome of the HRA and, if Dogger Bank D is progressed, subject to any additional provision which may need to be made to secure mitigation or compensatory measures in light of the findings of the HRA.
Rob Cussons, Dogger Bank D Project Director at SSE Renewables, said:
“I am delighted the shareholders in Dogger Bank D have been able to establish commercial terms to amend the Dogger Bank C lease with The Crown Estate, subject to the outcome of the Plan Level HRA and The Crown Estate’s final decision on the Capacity Improvement Programme. It is a move that can unlock the value of more clean energy from the same area of seabed, as we accelerate towards a greener and more secure energy system. This pioneering project is made possible by the joint foresight from shareholders SSE and Equinor along with The Crown Estate to consider an innovative approach to bring forward more clean and secure energy from the available seabed, whilst ensuring that sensitive marine habitats are protected. And in doing so we can make the world’s biggest offshore wind farm even bigger.”
Halfdan Brustad, Equinor’s VP UK Renewables said:
“Reaching this milestone through close collaboration with our partner and The Crown Estate will help support the UK Government’s offshore wind and net zero ambitions, whilst building a competitive UK industry. Following first power, Dogger Bank, the world’s largest offshore wind farm, is a key example of what the offshore wind industry can offer, from security of electricity supply to economic growth and long-term jobs.”
The proposed 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.
The project would require a new Development Consent Order to progress into construction. Initial consultations have been held with stakeholders, with further activities being planned for later in 2024.
Dogger Bank Wind Farm was awarded rights in The Crown Estate’s Offshore Wind Leasing Round 3 and is under construction in three phases: A, B and C. Dogger Bank Wind Farm is a joint venture between SSE Renewables (40%), Equinor (40%) and Vårgrønn (20%).
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.
28th June 2024 in Press releases
- SSE and Equinor submit Scoping Report to The Planning Inspectorate for proposed fourth phase of Dogger Bank Wind Farm
- Report supports a request for a formal Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Scoping Opinion
- Project development made possible by opportunity to maximise capacity from eastern part of Dogger Bank C site
- Up to 2GW project would connect into new 400kV substation located in East Riding of Yorkshire
- SSE and Equinor each own 50% of the proposed Dogger Bank D development
SSE and Equinor, co-developers of the proposed Dogger Bank D fourth phase of Dogger Bank Wind Farm, have submitted a Scoping Report for the project to The Planning Inspectorate.
This follows publication in March 2024 by National Grid ESO of the Transitional Centralised Strategic Network Plan (tCSNP2) which included confirmation that Dogger Bank D will connect into Birkhill Wood, a proposed new 400kV substation located in the East Riding of Yorkshire*.
Developed as a 50/50 joint venture between SSE Renewables and Equinor, Dogger Bank D would, if consented and approved for delivery, have an installed capacity of up to 2GW and be located in the North Sea around 210km off the northeast coast at its closest point to shore. Project development has been made possible by the opportunity to maximise the capacity from the eastern part of the current Dogger Bank C site. Dogger Bank D is working closely with The Crown Estate, who manage the seabed around England, Wales and Northern Ireland to agree the progression of Dogger Bank D.
The existing 3.6GW Dogger Bank Wind Farm was granted development consent in 2015 and is currently under construction in the North Sea across three build-out phases, Dogger Bank A, B and C. Once complete, Dogger Bank Wind Farm will be the world’s biggest offshore wind farm in operation.
The proposed fourth phase of the wind farm, Dogger Bank D, has been designated a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) of more than 100MW of generating capacity. As a result, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is required for the project to be able to submit a Development Consent Order (DCO) application.
The purpose of the Scoping Report is to request a formal EIA Scoping Opinion from the Planning Inspectorate which would outline the topics to be assessed in the EIA.
“The Scoping Report is an important milestone for Dogger Bank D and is a key part of the development of an offshore wind farm. The report lays out the scope of the project proposals and identifies key environmental factors. We look forward to receiving a Scoping Opinion from the Planning Inspectorate and input from consultees which will help inform our development proposals.”
Rob Cussons, Project Director for Dogger Bank D
A further round of public consultation on the proposals for Dogger Bank D will take place in Autumn 2024.
The Scoping Report is available to view on the Planning Inspectorate’s website.
27th June 2024 in Community News, Operations
- The fund will be used to enhance science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) education for young people during the planned 35-year operational lifespan of the wind farm, equipping them with the skills to succeed in a net zero world.
- The £25 million investment will be built on the £1 million community fund already invested in the North and North-East of England during the construction phase of the world’s largest offshore wind farm.
- The fund represents one of the largest community investments in offshore wind in the UK.
- The project has already created or supported over 2,000 jobs in the UK, contributing to 100,000+ UK offshore wind jobs needed to meet current national targets.
- The investment includes growing the current scholarship programme, with 30 scholarships a year for students studying STEM subjects
Dogger Bank Wind Farm has today 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 fulfill their potential in a net zero world. This announcement takes place during Wind Energy Week 2024 which showcases the industry’s achievements and discusses what is needed to accelerate large-scale growth.
Set to be the world’s largest offshore wind farm once complete, Dogger Bank is situated over 130km from the Yorkshire coast and will produce enough renewable energy to supply electricity to six million homes in the UK annually. The wind farm, a joint venture between SSE Renewables, Equinor, and Vårgrønn, produced first power in October 2023.
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.
In addition to the Dogger Bank community funds, 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. Dogger Bank Wind Farm has also been a strong supporter of the Offshore Wind Growth Partnership (OWGP), playing a key role in advancing the offshore wind industry in the UK.
RenewableUK’s Chief Executive Dan McGrail said:
“Dogger Bank Wind Farm’s commitment to provide a further £25 million to local communities in East Yorkshire and the North East of England shows that the offshore wind industry can provide significant economic benefits to coastal areas where renewable energy comes ashore and where our operation and maintenance centres are based. This funding will provide a boost to school pupils, university students and community groups, creating opportunities for new careers as well as getting much-needed community facilities built. Our industry is transforming the lives of people in coastal communities around the UK, and this is a great example of how this partnership works in action”.
Dogger Bank’s community fund will continue to focus over the next 3 years on the key communities of East Riding of Yorkshire and Redcar & Cleveland where the renewable energy from the wind farm comes ashore, and South Tyneside, which is home to the wind farm’s operation and maintenance base. Once the project is fully commissioned, the community fund will continue to invest in each community, with an emphasis on the South Tyneside area, where the wind farm has a long-term presence.
Mark Halliday, Dogger Bank Operations Director, said:
“Through the operations community fund, we continue to aim to empower and uplift communities by investing in projects that make a lasting impact. We are particularly excited to support the levelling up agenda by working with schools in the North and North East of England, where I personally grew up, by providing opportunities for STEM education. By fostering a passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, we hope to equip the next generation with the skills they need to be a part of a sustainable future.”
The operational fund will continue to focus on developing local skills and raising young people’s aspirations, to meet local priorities identified in consultation with the local education authorities in each key community. The programme builds on recommendations made in an independent report by ekosgen, which described Dogger Bank Wind Farm as a market leader for its commitment to evaluating outcomes and areas for improvements in its community investment programme. The operational fund will be reviewed periodically in collaboration with local educational experts to ensure it meets the needs of local communities.
In addition to this, the operational fund will provide an increased number of 30 scholarships per year, providing funding towards the cost of further education for local university students studying STEM subjects. The fund will also continue to support community projects and local organisations with grants of up to £1,000. Local organisations can now submit their applications through the Dogger Bank website.
Oliver Cass, Dogger Bank Project Director, said:
“It’s been our great privilege during the last three years to work with education providers and local communities to kickstart a programme of investment that is bringing long-term benefits for communities.
“It is vitally important that developers work in partnership with local communities in order to sustainably deliver the critical green energy infrastructure that will shape our future.”
You can find out more information about the Dogger Bank scholarships, community grants, and the community fund impact report below.
Dogger Bank scholarships: https://doggerbank.com/about/community/
Dogger Bank community grants: https://doggerbank.com/about/community/
Dogger Bank community fund report: https://doggerbank.com/community-news/dogger-bank-described-as-market-leader-by-community-investment-report-author/
Further information from:
Harry Chadwick, Communications Officer, Equinor
M: 07561 852215 / hach@equinor.com
** Photos and B-roll footage **:
See Dropbox links below to photos and B-roll footage for coverage:
Image 1: Renewable energy learning activity funded by the Dogger Bank community fund at Hornsea Nursery in East Riding of Yorkshire (Credit: Dogger Bank Wind Farm)
Image 2: Renewable energy learning activity funded by the Dogger Bank community fund at Hornsea Nursery in East Riding of Yorkshire (Credit: Dogger Bank Wind Farm)
Video 1: B-roll footage from learning activity at Hornsea Nursery (Credit: Dogger Bank Wind Farm)
Video 2: B-roll footage from learning activity at Hornsea Nursery (Credit: Dogger Bank Wind Farm)
** Please credit: Dogger Bank Wind Farm **
