Dogger Bank Wind Farm has announced a series of supply chain events throughout 2022, aimed at showcasing opportunities during the operations and maintenance phase of the 3600MW project.
The events will focus on key themes that will also help to develop the future supply chain and workforce for offshore wind in the region, including innovation and skills.
The Dogger Bank team will work with north-east based national business development organisation NOF to deliver the events.
They will comprise an introductory webinar on 17 February, followed by a meet the buyers event in Durham on 12 April and a skills webinar on 19 May.
An invite-only business dinner will be held in Durham on 9 June, with an innovation workshop taking place in Newcastle on 20 September and an O&M tour of the Port of Tyne on 22 November.
Dogger Bank operations director Mark Halliday said: “We are delighted to be continuing our work with NOF to connect the wider supply chain with our Tier 1 suppliers and provide awareness of the opportunities available during the operations and maintenance phase of the wind farm.
“Dogger Bank will be operational for 35 years and we will rely on the supply chain to provide key products and services, bring new technologies and innovations to the project and help develop the workforce of the future.
“We look forward to engaging with the industry and providing opportunities to be part of the world’s largest offshore wind farm.”
The construction phase of the project is underway and the team previously worked with NOF to deliver a series of “meet the buyer” events to help prepare the supply chain for opportunities to get involved, by connecting Tier 1 suppliers with the local and UK supply chains.
The project is proud to be working with a number of local suppliers following these activities, including South Tyneside-based Metec UK and Darlington-based Tekmar Energy.
Dogger Bank is also the anchor project for LM Wind Power’s investment in a new blade manufacturing facility on Teesside.
To date, more than 3,000 UK roles have been created or supported in relation to the construction and operation of Dogger Bank Wind Farm.
NOF chief executive Joanne Leng said: “The UK, and in particular, north-east England has a world-class offshore wind supply chain, which can apply its extensive experience and technology-led solutions to support the operations and maintenance phase of the Dogger Bank Wind Farm.
“This landmark renewables project will also present opportunities for companies yet to join the energy transition, which can diversify their skills products and services into the offshore wind market.
“We are exceptionally proud to continue our partnership with Dogger Bank Wind Farm with this series of events, which will help build long-term and collaborative relationships between the wind farm operations team and supply chain companies, delivering mutual benefits and ensuring this region continues to make a positive contribution to net zero.”
For further information and to register for the events when they are published, visit https://www.nof.co.uk/
Dogger Bank is located more than 130km off the north-east coast of England and is being delivered by joint venture partners SSE Renewables, Equinor and Eni.
SSE Renewables is leading on construction and delivery while Equinor will operate the wind farm on completion.
Due to its size and scale, Dogger Bank is being built in three consecutive 1200MW 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.