Situated approximately 130 km off the Yorkshire coast in UK waters, the 3.6 GW Dogger Bank Wind Farm is being constructed in three separate phases: Dogger Bank A, B, and C. Each of these phases boasts a 1.2 GW capacity.
HVDC technology: A first for UK wind farms
In another notable milestone, the electricity from Dogger Bank A is now being channeled into the UK’s national grid via a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission system. This is a pioneering move as it marks the maiden use of HVDC technology in a UK wind farm.
A boost for green energy and national ambitions
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed pride in the country’s commitment to achieving net zero by 2050. He highlighted the significance of Dogger Bank, stating its benefits in enhancing energy reliability, generating employment, and cutting down on electricity expenses.
GE Vernova’s Haliade-X 13 MW turbines
Another breakthrough in the Dogger Bank project is the energizing of GE Vernova’s Haliade-X 13 MW turbines offshore – a first in the world, as per SSE Renewables. To grasp the power of these turbines, consider this: a single rotation of the 107-metre blades on the inaugural operational turbine can generate enough clean energy to supply an average British household for two whole days.
Upon completion:
- Dogger Bank A and Dogger Bank B will each house 95 Haliade-X 13 MW turbines
- Dogger Bank C will be powered by 87 Haliade-X 14 MW turbines.
In total, the entire 3.6 GW capacity of Dogger Bank will be provided by 277 wind turbines, producing enough energy to power an estimated six million British homes annually. The commissioning of these turbines is planned to continue until full commercial operation in 2026.
An answer to the energy crisis
According to Alistair Phillips-Davies, the Chief Executive of SSE, Dogger Bank is poised to significantly augment the UK’s energy security and affordability while also elevating its leadership in combating climate change. He emphasized that the success of Dogger Bank is a clear example of the achievements possible when a variety of participants, ranging from officials and financiers to the industrial sector and local populations, come together with a shared innovative vision.
A collaborative effort
The development and construction of this offshore wind farm are spearheaded by a consortium consisting of Equinor, SSE Renewables, and Vårgrønn, a collaboration between Eni Plenitude and HitecVision. SSE Renewables is overseeing the development and construction phase, while Equinor will assume the lead operator role for the duration of the wind farm’s operational lifespan.
