Fourth phase of the world’s largest offshore wind farm Dogger Bank to unlock additional renewable power
Commercial terms have been established with The Crown Estate in the UK to enable Dogger Bank D to progress, under an amendment to the existing seabed lease, subject to the final outcome of a ‘Plan-Level Habitats Regulations Assessment’ (HRA).
The proposed fourth phase of the Dogger Bank Wind Farm will unlock up to 2GW of additional energy capacity from the wind farm’s existing seabed area. With the first three phases of the wind farm already set to power the equivalent of 6 million UK homes, this increased capacity will further accelerate the UK’s energy transition.
Since the wind farm obtained a seabed lease in 2010 as part of the Crown Estate’s Offshore Wind Leasing Round 3, offshore wind technology has advanced, meaning that there is the potential for additional energy capacity to be generated within the same seabed footprint. Dogger Bank D, which is a 50/50 joint venture between Equinor and SSE Renewables, will utilise the eastern position of the Dogger Bank C area to unlock increased value.
The amendment to the lease to allow the project to progress is subject to the outcome of the ‘Plan-Level Habitats Regulations Assessment’ (HRA) to understand the collective environmental impact of the additional capacity of Dogger Bank D alongside six further offshore wind farms exploring increases in capacity. This follows the announcement of The Crown Estate’s Capacity Improvement Programme in 2023, which looked to catalyse the UK’s energy transition, restore a thriving marine environment, and support growth for communities and industry. The Crown Estate is required to undertake the HRA before it is able to take a final decision on the Capacity Improvement Programme, and if Dogger Bank D is progressed the lease amendments will be 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.
Dogger Bank A, B and C, which are a joint venture between Equinor, SSE Renewables and Vårgrønn are currently being constructed in three 1.2GW phases. Production from Dogger Bank A started in October 2023.
Before the new phase can be constructed, Dogger Bank D will require a new Development Consent Order.
Commenting on the announcement, Trine Borum Bojsen, Equinor’s SVP Renewables said:
“Dogger Bank D demonstrates how we can think differently about increasing value from quality existing assets across Equinor. By adding up to 2GW of capacity to the Dogger Bank area, we will unlock both value and volume. As a leading offshore wind player, we continue to develop innovative solutions across our portfolio.”
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.”
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.”