Dogger Bank wind farm will boost the UK economy by £6bn during its lifetime, according to an independent report published today.
The report by BVG Associates said the contribution will be driven by investment in UK companies, jobs and skills.
Dogger Bank will have 3.6GW capacity when fully operational and will generate power for around 6 million UK homes each year.
The project is beginning to generate from initial commissioning at its first phase, with power transmitted along subsea cables for use by UK consumers.
The report was commissioned by Dogger Bank Wind Farm equity partners SSE, Equinor and Vargronn.
Dogger Bank is being constructed in three 1.2GW phases at adjoining sites in the North Sea more than 130km from the Yorkshire coast.
Direct spend with companies in the North-East of England and in North Yorkshire and East Riding of Yorkshire is expected to total over £3bn, with hundreds of jobs supported.
Companies involved to date include Jones Bros, Bowmer and Kirkland, Boston Energy and Tekmar.
Full-time equivalent jobs supported across the UK are expected to reach 3,600 over 2025, including 1,500 in the North-East of England and North Yorkshire and East Riding of Yorkshire.
An average of 1,400 full-time equivalent jobs are expected to be supported over the operational life of at least 35 years, including roles for trainees and apprentices.
Dogger Bank has committed £26m to local communities, including scholarship grants awarded to students in East Riding of Yorkshire, Redcar and Cleveland and South Tyneside.
Energy minister Michael Shanks said: “Clean, homegrown power is the right choice for families and industry right across the country. Wind power is cheaper, cleaner and more secure than new gas – helping us bring down bills for good.
“As shown by this independent report, offshore wind projects such as Dogger Bank will generate billions for the UK, while also delivering thousands of good jobs – showing once again that clean power is the economic opportunity of the 21st century.”
Dogger Bank Wind Farm project director Olly Cass said: “People have always been at the heart of everything we do on Dogger Bank Wind Farm. Even from the early days of planning, there was an inherent drive from everyone involved to see what value we could unlock through this extraordinary engineering masterpiece.
“Offshore wind is a global sector with a global supply chain, but this report proves we have the skills, expertise and desire in the UK to fuel the energy transition and create economic value that’s far-reaching. The ripple effects of our UK spend, generating £6.1 billion for the UK economy, can be felt from the Highlands of Scotland, down to the south coast, and plenty more in between.
“BVGA’s report also gives us a chance to reflect on important lessons learned, so we can use Dogger Bank as the springboard for future economic growth in the UK in our development of critical energy infrastructure.”
BVG Associates director of economics Alun Roberts said: “Our independent analysis shows the significant impact of the Dogger Bank Wind Farm. Our economic model shows that the boost to the economy and jobs is sustained through the life of the project. This is vital for sustaining political support for offshore wind.”
Jones Bros senior contracts manager James Lockwood said: “As a company, we are always eager to give our apprentices and trainees valuable on-site experience, and as the world’s largest offshore wind farm, Dogger Bank is a hugely significant project to be a part of.
“The numbers speak for themselves, with five higher apprentices and three trainee engineer apprentices working on Dogger Bank, whilst we also recruited 28 ground worker trainees and 18 plant operative apprentices.
“I know it has always brought everyone from senior managers to trainees and apprentices a great sense of pride to be associated with the scheme.”