SSE and Equinor, leading developers of the planned Dogger Bank D offshore wind farm, have taken a significant step forward by submitting a scoping report to the Planning Inspectorate. This report outlines the scope and environmental considerations for the proposed 2GW project, marking a pivotal phase in its development process.
The project, a joint venture between SSE Renewables and Equinor, is slated to be located approximately 210km off the northeast coast in the North Sea. Dogger Bank D aims to leverage the capacity from the eastern part of the existing Dogger Bank C site, underpinning its feasibility and strategic alignment within the broader Dogger Bank Wind Farm complex.
“Dogger Bank D represents a substantial advancement in our offshore wind ambitions,” stated Rob Cussons, project director for Dogger Bank D at SSE Renewables. “The scoping report is an important milestone that delineates our project scope and identifies critical environmental factors.”
The development is closely coordinated with The Crown Estate, responsible for managing seabed rights, to ensure alignment and progression of the offshore wind project. Dogger Bank D has been designated as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP), necessitating rigorous environmental assessment through an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process.
“The scoping report sets the stage for obtaining a formal EIA Scoping Opinion from the Planning Inspectorate, which will guide our comprehensive environmental assessment,” added Cussons. “We anticipate valuable input from stakeholders and consultees as we move forward with our development proposals.”
Public consultation on the Dogger Bank D project is scheduled for Autumn 2024, providing further opportunity for community engagement and feedback.
