Onshore construction activities have begun at the adjoining Sofia and Dogger Bank C offshore wind projects located off the UK’s north-east coast.
Despite different ownership – Sofia is owned by RWE Renewables while Dogger Bank C is owned 50/50 by SSE Renewables and Equinor – the projects are cooperating closely due to their proximity and to reduce impacts on local stakeholders.
The early phase of site activity is being carried out by contractor Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK and will continue for the rest of the year in readiness for the arrival of the converter station contractors in 2022.
Sofia project director Matthew Swanwick said: “The official start of onshore construction is a culmination of many years of planning and development and testament to a huge effort, so it was a pleasure to be able to welcome Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen and Jacob Young MP to site today.
“But it is also the start of an intense period of activity and we look forward to our continued positive working relationship with Dogger Bank C , Sembcorp Energy UK and all our contractors and stakeholders over the coming years.”
The mayor and MP joined management from both projects plus from landowner Sembcorp Energy UK at the site of the onshore converter stations, adjacent to Wilton International, to officially kick-off the work and have an early tour of the site.
Houchen, said: “Today’s ground-breaking is the culmination of hard work, dedication, and commitment by so many people and symbolises a significant step forward on our path to net zero and the thousands of good-quality, well paid jobs the clean energy revolution will create right here in Teesside.”
Dogger Bank Wind Farm project director Steve Wilson added: “As responsible developers working in the same area we’re committed to ensuring the impact on local businesses and communities is minimal. We were delighted that Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen, Jacob Young MP and Andy Koss of Sembcorp Energy UK joined us on-site today to mark the start of this work by UK-based Jones Bros.
“This event marks an important milestone for both developments and demonstrates great progress for the future of green energy in the UK.”
The work to construct both the converter stations will take around four years and is due to be completed in 2025.