Dogger Bank Wind Farm launches “ground-breaking” South Tyneside operational hub

Yesterday, the local community and distinguished guests including Minister of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Graham Stuart MP, gathered to celebrate the official opening of the O&M base for Dogger Bank Wind Farm, the world’s largest offshore wind farm.

150 employees and guests gathered in South Tyneside to christen the O&M base at Port of Tyne, which will serve as the hub for operations for Dogger Bank Wind Farm. The O&M base also houses the control room that will monitor and manage 5 per cent of the UK’s electricity generating capacity, which is produced by the offshore wind farm.

Minister of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Graham Stuart, commented: “The UK already boasts the four largest offshore wind farms in the world and I am delighted that Dogger Bank will overtake all of them in three years’ time.

“Having already delivered on green jobs and growth, Dogger Bank will be at the heart of boosting energy security for Britain and meeting the Energy Security Secretary’s ambition to have among the cheapest wholesale electricity prices in Europe.”

Pål Eitrheim, EVP Renewables at Equinor, added: “We’re proud to be delivering Dogger Bank Wind Farm with our partners SSE Renewables and Vårgrønn. We look forward to operating this major power generation asset for the next 35 years from the state-of-the art O&M base at the Port of Tyne.

“At Equinor, we always aim to bring economic value to the local community hosting our offshore wind project. This base is a shining example of the long-term, positive contribution that offshore wind will continue to bring to the North East of England.”

Dogger Bank project director at SSE Renewables, Oliver Cass, stated: “Today is an important day for everyone involved in our ground-breaking project as we move closer to delivering first power in the summer.

“Building a wind farm on this scale requires huge talent and dedication. I’d like to pay tribute to everyone who’s played their part in our journey so far, including the thousands of skilled UK employees who are truly world-class.”

Over 400 long-term roles have been created locally to support the operations and maintenance of the wind farm, based at the Port of Tyne facility. In total, over 2,000 UK jobs have been created or supported through the Dogger Bank project.

The wind farm, which will generate 3.6 GW of capacity, is being built in three 1.2 GW phases, named Dogger Bank A, B & C, and will be able to power the equivalent of 6 million UK homes on completion.

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

• Add me on LinkedIn and Twitter to keep up to date
• And follow Bdaily on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn
• Submit press releases to editor@bdaily.co.uk for consideration.

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →