The fourth phase of the Dogger Bank wind farmknown as Dogger Bank D, has signed a marine lease with The Crown Estate. SSE Renewables and Equinor, equal partners in the project, have secured the right to use a new portion of the seabed that will unlock up to an additional 1.5 GW of offshore wind capacity.
The marine lease in Dogger Bank D
Dogger Bank D is emerging as a strategic extension of the wind farm under construction off the east coast of England. With phases A, B and C under development and a combined capacity of 3.6 GW, the addition of a fourth phase aims to strengthen the UK’s renewable electricity supply.
The formalization of the lease agreement followed the regulatory habitat assessment and an eight-week statutory consultation with communities in the East Riding of Yorkshire. SSE and Equinor submitted proposals that provide for the installation of up to 113 offshore wind turbines on fixed foundations, two substation platforms and subsea interconnecting cables to onshore infrastructure.
The commencement of Dogger Bank D is subject to the approval of a Development Consent Order, as well as a final investment decision by the developers. This signed contract provides for mandatory environmental measures as part of The Crown Estate’s capacity enhancement program for marine projects.
SSE proposes that this agreement allows it to make more efficient use of the leased area of Dogger Bank C, while Equinor demonstrates the role of the United Kingdom as a strategic market for its offshore operations. Both companies state that Dogger Bank D represents an opportunity to expand their presence in clean energy, consolidating their commitment to the transition to an emission-free electricity system.
With the conclusion of the consultation and the signing of the contract, the developers are working on the preparation of the final application for consent. This is expected to be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate in the coming months, paving the way for Dogger Bank D to increase the country’s green capacity and strengthen the North Sea’s position as a hub for renewable generation in Europe.
Source and photo: Dogger Bank Wind Farm
