Developers of the Dogger Bank Wind Farm, SSE Renewables and Equinor, have reached commercial terms with The Crown Estate to amend the existing seabed lease for the Dogger Bank C phase, marking a significant step towards expanding the world's largest offshore wind farm.
The proposed Dogger Bank D phase, announced in 2023, aims to add up to 2GW of capacity to the existing project off the coast of Yorkshire, England, in the North Sea. This expansion would further solidify Dogger Bank's status as a global leader in offshore wind energy production.
Rob Cussons, Project Director at SSE Renewables, expressed optimism about the project's progress: “I am delighted the shareholders in Dogger Bank D have been able to establish commercial terms to amend the Dogger Bank C lease with The Crown Estate, subject to the outcome of the plan-level HRA and The Crown Estate's final decision on the Capacity Improvement Programme.”
The expansion plan is part of The Crown Estate's Capacity Improvement Programme, aiming to unlock up to 4GW of new green electricity production across seven offshore sites. Before final approval, The Crown Estate will conduct a plan-level Habitats Regulation Assessment (HRA) to evaluate environmental impacts.
Halfdan Brustad, Vice President of UK Renewables at Equinor, highlighted the project's broader implications: “Reaching this milestone through close collaboration with our partner and The Crown Estate will help support the UK Government's offshore wind and net zero ambitions, while building a competitive UK industry.”
Dogger Bank Wind Farm, jointly owned by SSE Renewables, Equinor, and Vårgrønn, is currently under construction in phases A, B, and C. The proposed Dogger Bank D phase is set to connect to the national electricity infrastructure network, supporting the UK's renewable energy goals.
