9th February 2023 in Community News, Press releases
To mark national apprenticeship week, Dogger Bank Wind farm welcomed Newcastle College students to its operations and maintenance base this week. The visit was an opportunity to promote careers in offshore wind and share an overview of the world’s largest offshore windfarm under construction.
The apprentices got to see first-hand the state-of-the-art facilities that were recently constructed in South Tyneside. The new operations and maintenance O&M base was constructed and will be operated in line with the UK Green Building Council’s Net Zero Carbon Buildings Framework, demonstrating the sustainable ethos of the project running right through to operations.
Over 400 long terms roles have been created locally to support the operations and maintenance of the windfarm. The project is a joint venture between SSE Renewables (40%), Equinor (40%) and Vårgrønn. SSE Renewables is lead operator for the development and construction of Dogger Bank Wind Farm. Equinor will be lead operator of the wind farm on completion for its expected operational life of around 35 years.
The students are studying level 2 Engineering Operative apprenticeships, with three of the apprentices currently receiving funding from operator Equinor, as part of its apprenticeship levy transfer announced in 2022 focusing on Engineering as a local skills gap.
Tom Nightingale, North East Stakeholder Manager for Equinor, said:
“We are delighted to host Apprentices at our facility in South Tyneside along with our strategic partner, Newcastle College. Offshore Wind provides a fantastic career opportunity for young people and Apprenticeships are one of the best ways to develop skills in many relevant areas from Engineering, to Technical roles to Developing Business skills. We look forward to continuing to support Apprenticeships through the project for many years to come.”
In June 2021, 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 scholarships and an operators fund to support local causes.
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Picture caption: Newcastle College students visit Dogger Bank operations and maintenance base in Port of Tyne.
6th February 2023 in Press releases, Project news
Leading energy companies Equinor and SSE Renewables are carrying out early scoping work to explore options for developing a fourth phase, Dogger Bank D, of the world’s largest offshore wind farm. Equinor and SSE Renewables each own 50% of the proposed Dogger Bank D development.
The Dogger Bank D proposal would require a new development consent order to progress into construction and could add an additional 1.32 GW in fixed-bottom offshore wind capacity to the 3.6 GW already in construction with phases A, B and C of the project. Dogger Bank D would be located in the eastern zone of the Dogger Bank C lease area, more than doubling the utilisation of existing acreage. The project’s progression remains subject to agreement with The Crown Estate.
The developers will release an initial scoping report in late March outlining ongoing work to explore the technical feasibility of deploying latest-available technology to bolster the UK’s renewable energy capacity. There are two options being explored for the energy generated by the offshore wind farm: a grid connection and/or green hydrogen production.
The first would see power from Dogger Bank D connecting to a grid connection in Lincolnshire, where National Grid is installing new network infrastructure in response to the UK Government’s ambitions to generate 50 GW of offshore wind by 2030.
The second option being considered by the developers is the use of electricity produced by offshore wind to generate green hydrogen at a dedicated electrolysis facility in the Humber region. The facility, if developed, could become the UK’s largest green hydrogen project and, subject to supportive Government policy and supply chain alignment, could contribute to the UK Government’s green hydrogen ambitions.
VP Dogger Bank at Equinor, Halfdan Brustad, said:
“Optimising the Dogger Bank C lease area with an additional phase, Dogger Bank D, is in-line with Equinor’s strategy to further develop offshore wind projects in clusters such as the North Sea. We are pleased to continue our collaboration with our partners, SSE Renewables, and work together to mature the technical scoping of this project. Both the grid offtake and green hydrogen production options from Dogger Bank D would contribute to the UK’s net zero ambitions and emphasise Equinor’s ability to deliver a broad energy offering to the UK.”
Paul Cooley, Director of Offshore Wind, SSE Renewables, said:
“At SSE Renewables we’re focussed on delivering and building a homegrown energy system for the UK that is cheaper, cleaner and more secure. That’s why we’re taking action to develop more of the new offshore wind energy needed to radically increase renewable generation. We’re already building the world’s largest offshore wind farm at Dogger Bank, and now with our established partners Equinor we’re delighted to unveil plans to develop a potential fourth phase of the project, Dogger Bank D. We’re looking forward to working together to bring this project to the attention of key stakeholders.”
Dogger Bank Wind Farm Project Director, Oliver Cass, said:
“We’re in the early stages of looking at the technical feasibility of the grid and also hydrogen options for a potential fourth phase of Dogger Bank Wind Farm, and we’re looking forward to working with local, national and regional stakeholders over the coming months as we progress the project.
“Not only is this project a great opportunity to generate more affordable green energy for UK consumers and increase the resilience of our energy networks, it would also build on the economic and social legacy started by the first phases of the project which have created and supported thousands of UK jobs and resulted in more than £1 million being invested in coastal communities.”
The first three phases of Dogger Bank Wind Farm known as A, B and C are 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 Vårgrønn*, SSE Renewables is leading on Dogger Bank construction and delivery while Equinor will operate the wind farm on completion.
Equinor and SSE Thermal are currently collaborating to accelerate the decarbonisation of the Humber, the UK’s largest and most carbon-intensive industrial region, through low-carbon projects such as Keadby 3 Carbon Capture Power Station, Keadby Hydrogen Power Station and Aldbrough Hydrogen Storage.
As part of the Zero Carbon Humber initiative, in which Equinor and SSE Thermal are both members, hydrogen transmission and storage infrastructure are planned in the Humber linked to the East Coast Cluster CO2 transmission and storage system. The green hydrogen option at Dogger Bank D could benefit from leveraging the low-carbon hydrogen value chain being advanced, including the hydrogen pipeline infrastructure and network of potential customers.
* Vårgrønn is a joint venture between the Italian energy company Plenitude and the Norwegian energy entrepreneur and investor HitecVision.
26th January 2023 in Press releases, Supply Chain
GE Renewable Energy has selected waste management specialists J&B Recycling under a 3-year contract to provide a sustainable waste solution for Dogger Bank Wind Farm.
J&B Recycling are contracted by GE Renewable Energy, who are leading on construction and installation of their Haliade-X turbines offshore.
Dogger Bank Wind Farm Community Engagement Manager, Rachel Lawrence said:
“It’s great to see J&B Recycling joining other businesses from the north-east of England who’re playing an integral role in the construction of the world’s largest offshore wind farm.
“This award-winning recycling business will not only support the sustainability of the project with its zero waste to landfill strategy, local people will also benefit from the relationship through their investment in Feeding Families, which will be a welcome boost for some of the area’s most vulnerable residents at a challenging time for communities.”
Charlie Payne, Sales Manager at J&B Recycling, said:
“We are thrilled to have been awarded the contract for the Dogger Bank Wind Farm. It is an incredibly exciting project for the North East, especially for a company like J&B Recycling, who have championed green solutions since the 1990s.
“It is great to see the Dogger Bank project supporting local businesses like J&B Recycling and creating job opportunities for local people.”
“Supporting the local community is clearly very important to GE Renewable Energy. As part of our agreement, any revenue generated from recycling materials will be donated to a local charity. J&B Recycling support several charities throughout the year and on this occasion, we have chosen to work with Feeding Families. They are a charity based in the North East that support individuals and families experiencing food poverty. Given the current economic climate, we feel the money will go directly to supporting families that are really in need, across the whole of the North East, which is where we operate.”
Joe Colligan, Package Manager of the Dogger Bank Project for GE Renewable Energy, said:
“As a responsible supplier, we wanted to work with a local waste services provider to reduce the vehicle mileage and carbon footprint of the project. J&B Recycling’s Material Recycling Facility (MRF) in Hartlepool is located just 3.3 miles from the site, so they were ideally placed to provide the most sustainable solution.”
“We understand from J&B Recycling that they operate a zero waste to landfill solution and have a robust onward supply chain, so we are confident that materials recovered from the site will be recycled where possible, with non-recyclable material being used to generate energy.”
J&B Recycling’s Windermere MRF in Hartlepool is one of the largest facilities in the UK and recently won ‘Facility of the Year’ at the National Recycling Awards. The company works with businesses across the region and delivers kerbside contracts for 13+ local authorities, processing around 200,000 tonnes of waste per year.
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 Vårgrønn, SSE Renewables is leading on Dogger Bank construction and delivery while Equinor will operate the wind farm on completion.
Turbine installation will begin this year, with GE Renewable Energy using Able Seaton as its marshalling harbour for turbine components. GE Renewable Energy has selected Mammoet UK, based in Thornaby Teesside, to supply onshore heavy lifting and transport for the staging and installation of turbines.
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Picture caption: Left to right: Sarah McPhie, Feeding Families; Charlie Payne, J&B Recycling; Joe Colligan, GE Renewable Energy
5th December 2022 in Community News, Press releases
- 25 additional scholarships awarded to students from South Tyneside, Redcar and Cleveland and East Riding of Yorkshire to help young people prepare for working life in a net zero world.
- 50 scholarships in total have now been awarded to help students unlock their potential.
- The students are undertaking courses focused on science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) subjects.
- The scholarships are part of a wider £1 million investment in local communities during the construction of the wind farm.
December 2022: An additional twenty-five students from coastal communities in the north and north-east of England are being supported with the cost of further education, thanks to a scholarship of £5,000 each from Dogger Bank Wind Farm.
The Scholarship Fund provides grants to local students undertaking science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) courses in further education. The recently awarded grants are part of the second round of the Scholarship Fund, with 50 scholarships awarded to date and a total of 62 scholarships available during the construction of the wind farm.
The scholarship fund focuses on the areas of East Riding of Yorkshire and Redcar and Cleveland, where the windfarm will connect to the National Grid, as well as South Tyneside, where the Operation and Maintenance Base will be located.
The second round of the scholarship fund has proven very popular, with lots of quality applications received this year. The students are undertaking a wide range of STEM courses from diverse subjects such as Forensic and Analytical Chemistry and Zoology. There is also a clear focus on the climate emergency with eight scholars undertaking engineering related degrees which can help support in working towards a net zero future.
Ethan Ofosu is from South Shields and is studying Forensic and Analytical Chemistry at the University of Strathclyd. The former Bedford School student, said:
”Having gained this scholarship is a great opportunity for me as it helps reduce some of the financial burden and stress that going to university can have on me. It also shows that there are local businesses that are willing to support young people like me in the community. When I got the scholarship, it made my mam happy as well, so that was a nice feeling.”
Saffron Sollitt is from Hull and is studying BSc Physical Geography. The University of Hull student said:
“This scholarship has taken a lot of weight off my shoulders! I now have a lot less student loan to repay once I have completed my studies, therefore making me less anxious to take my next step in education, to achieve a master’s degree in volcanology. These degrees will enable me to earn a position in my dream career of being a volcanologist.”
Paul Thomas from Redcar, a HNC Mechanical Engineering student at the Redcar and Cleveland College, said:
“I’m extremely grateful to receive the Dogger Bank Scholarship. This funding award will enable me to fully concentrate on my HNC in Mechanical Engineering, during this challenging economic climate.”
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 Vårgrønn, SSE Renewables is leading on Dogger Bank construction and delivery while Equinor will operate the wind farm on completion.
Lindsay Dougan, Community Investment Manager for Dogger Bank Wind Farm, said:
“Dogger Bank Wind Farm is delighted to have the opportunity to support excellent students with scholarships. It’s also great to see local people are undertaking courses which support the reduction in local skills gaps particularly around engineering. We are proud to support the workforce of the future through this scholarship initiative.”
In June 2021, 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.
Students are reminded the scheme will reopen to new applicants in Summer 2023. Further details and how to apply next year can be found at https://doggerbank.com/about/community/.
Picture caption: Redcar and Cleveland students Harry Tranter (left), Paul Thomas (right) have received scholarships from Dogger Bank Wind Farm. Pictured with Redcar and Cleveland College – Head of Engineering, Dave Laycock (centre).
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29th November 2022 in Events, Operations, Press releases, Supply Chain
Dogger Bank Wind Farm today welcomes 80 supply chain representatives to an innovation workshop, focusing on robotics in offshore wind operations and maintenance.
The event, held at the National Innovation Centre for Data in Newcastle, is being delivered by business development organisation NOF, which specialises in the UK energy sector. Bringing together representatives from the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, North East England’s offshore wind cluster Energi Coast, the Offshore Wind Growth Partnership and the Dogger Bank operations team, the event aims to identify new technologies and suppliers that can help improve operational efficiencies on this flagship project and across the industry.
Dogger Bank Wind Farm has taken an innovative approach to operations and maintenance of an offshore wind farm, using the latest technology available to ensure safety and reliability in operating the wind farm, which will begin generating power in 2023. Digitalisation and the usage of emerging technology, such as high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cables and an unmanned offshore substation, an industry-first, are core tenets of the development of Dogger Bank Wind Farm.
Mark Halliday, Operations Director for Dogger Bank said: “We are delighted to be hosting so many local suppliers today in North East England. We are committed to providing opportunities to businesses throughout the operational phase of the wind farm and we see robotics as an area that can support development of a competitive UK supply chain. There is also a great opportunity to transfer technologies from other industries and the event is designed to help suppliers enter offshore wind from adjacent sectors such as oil & gas and automotive, which are already strengths of the region.”
In addition to offshore wind sector partners, the event will also include representatives from Dogger Bank Tier 1 suppliers for the operations phase including North Star Renewables and GE. The operations team will have a focus on inspection, maintenance and repair using robotics both above and below the seabed as well as to improve safety and operational efficiencies. There will also be a focus on key components including turbine blade inspection.
Tony Quinn, Energi Coast chair said: “Events like this one really bring home the value of having Equinor and their JV partners embedded in our region as well as one of the world’s largest windfarms on our virtual doorstep. For technology developers to have such ready access to ‘end users’ significantly reduces their time and cost of bringing new and innovative products to market.
Technology which helps to further our understanding of offshore wind, through remote inspection, condition monitoring or indeed maintenance will ultimately drive improved reliability and improved safety by removing the need for manual intervention.”
Dogger Bank Wind Farm is located more than 130km off the north-east coast of England and is being delivered by joint venture partners SSE Renewables, Equinor and Vårgrønn. SSE Renewables is leading on construction and delivery while Equinor will operate the wind farm on completion. Dogger Bank is being built in three consecutive 1.2GW phases; Dogger Bank A, Dogger Bank B and Dogger Bank C. In total the wind farm is expected to generate enough renewable electricity to supply 5% of the UK’s demand, equivalent to powering six million homes.
