Equinor and SSE Renewables are to file a scoping report next month for a potential 1320MW fourth phase of the Dogger Bank offshore wind farm in the UK North Sea.
Equinor and SSE Renewables each own 50% of the proposed Dogger Bank D development, previously known as Gatroben, which was first revealed in the 21 July edition of subscriber-only reNEWS.
National Grid first acknowledged the project in July 2022 in its Holistic Network Design review, which recommended a co-ordinated grid link for the proposed wind farm.
Geophysical surveys were undertaken during the autumn by the Guard Celina vessel.
Dogger Bank D remains subject to an agreement with the Crown Estate and would also require a new development consent order before construction could begin. If approved, it would add 1.3GW to the 3.6GW of capacity planned across Dogger Bank A, B and C.
The fixed-bottom turbine site would be located in the eastern zone of the Dogger Bank C lease area, more than doubling the utilisation of existing acreage, the pair added.
The project’s progression remains subject to agreement with The Crown Estate.
The developers will release an initial scoping report in late March outlining ongoing work to explore the technical feasibility of deploying latest-available technology to bolster the UK’s renewable energy capacity.
There are two options being explored for the energy generated by the offshore wind farm – a grid connection and/or green hydrogen production.
The first would see power from Dogger Bank D connecting to a grid connection in Lincolnshire, where National Grid is installing new network infrastructure in response to the UK Government’s ambitions to generate 50GW of offshore wind by 2030.
The second option being considered by the developers is the use of electricity produced by offshore wind to generate green hydrogen at a dedicated electrolysis facility in the Humber region.
The facility, if developed, could become the UK’s largest green hydrogen project and, subject to supportive Government policy and supply chain alignment, could contribute to the UK Government’s green hydrogen ambitions.
Vice president for Dogger Bank at Equinor Halfdan Brustad said: “Optimising the Dogger Bank C lease area with an additional phase, Dogger Bank D, is in-line with Equinor’s strategy to further develop offshore wind projects in clusters such as the North Sea.
“We are pleased to continue our collaboration with our partners, SSE Renewables, and work together to mature the technical scoping of this project.
“Both the grid offtake and green hydrogen production options from Dogger Bank D would contribute to the UK’s net zero ambitions and emphasise Equinor’s ability to deliver a broad energy offering to the UK.”
Paul Cooley, director of offshore wind at SSE Renewables, added: “At SSE Renewables we’re focussed on delivering and building a homegrown energy system for the UK that is cheaper, cleaner and more secure.
“That’s why we’re taking action to develop more of the new offshore wind energy needed to radically increase renewable generation.
“We’re already building the world’s largest offshore wind farm at Dogger Bank, and now with our established partners Equinor we’re delighted to unveil plans to develop a potential fourth phase of the project, Dogger Bank D.
“We’re looking forward to working together to bring this project to the attention of key stakeholders.”