The Dogger Bank offshore wind farm is expected to contribute more than £6 billion to the UK economy over its lifetime, according to an independent report published on Thursday by BVG Associates.
The report, commissioned by project partners SSE, Equinor and Vargrønn, found that the economic impact will be driven by investment in UK companies, job creation and skills development.
When complete, Dogger Bank will have a capacity of 3.6 gigawatts (GW), generating renewable power for around six million UK homes each year. The project has begun producing electricity from its first phase, with power transmitted via subsea cables to the mainland.
Located over 130 kilometres off the Yorkshire coast, Dogger Bank is being built in three 1.2GW phases on adjoining sites in the North Sea.
BVG Associates estimated that direct spending with companies in North-East England, North Yorkshire and the East Riding of Yorkshire will exceed £3 billion, supporting hundreds of jobs. Firms involved in the construction include Jones Bros, Bowmer and Kirkland, Boston Energy and Tekmar.
The report forecasts that the project will support around 3,600 full-time equivalent jobs in 2025, including 1,500 in northern England. Over its expected 35-year operational life, the wind farm will support an average of 1,400 jobs, including roles for trainees and apprentices.
Dogger Bank has also pledged £26 million in community investment, including scholarships for students in East Riding of Yorkshire, Redcar and Cleveland, and South Tyneside.
Energy Minister Michael Shanks said the findings underline the economic potential of clean energy. “Clean, homegrown power is the right choice for families and industry right across the country,” he said. “Wind power is cheaper, cleaner and more secure than new gas – helping us bring down bills for good. As shown by this independent report, offshore wind projects such as Dogger Bank will generate billions for the UK, while also delivering thousands of good jobs.”
Dogger Bank Wind Farm project director Olly Cass said the development represents “an extraordinary engineering masterpiece” and a model for future investment. “Offshore wind is a global sector with a global supply chain, but this report proves we have the skills, expertise and desire in the UK to fuel the energy transition and create economic value that’s far-reaching,” he said.
Cass added: “The ripple effects of our UK spend, generating £6.1 billion for the UK economy, can be felt from the Highlands of Scotland, down to the south coast, and plenty more in between.”
Alun Roberts, director of economics at BVG Associates, said the report highlights how offshore wind can provide sustained benefits. “Our independent analysis shows the significant impact of the Dogger Bank Wind Farm,” he said. “Our economic model shows that the boost to the economy and jobs is sustained through the life of the project. This is vital for sustaining political support for offshore wind.”
James Lockwood, senior contracts manager at Jones Bros, said the project has provided valuable opportunities for trainees. “As a company, we are always eager to give our apprentices and trainees valuable on-site experience, and as the world’s largest offshore wind farm, Dogger Bank is a hugely significant project to be a part of,” he said.
He added, “The numbers speak for themselves, with five higher apprentices and three trainee engineer apprentices working on Dogger Bank, whilst we also recruited 28 ground worker trainees and 18 plant operative apprentices.”
