SSE and Equinor, co-developers of the fourth phase of the Dogger Bank wind farm, have recently submitted a scoping report to The Planning Inspectorate.
This action aims to secure a Scoping Opinion to assess the environmental impacts necessary for the project’s advancement, which could add up to 2GW of offshore wind capacity.
Dogger Bank D Project Details
The Dogger Bank D project, a 50/50 joint venture between SSE Renewables and Equinor, would be located in the North Sea, approximately 210km off the northeast coast.
The infrastructure would connect to the future 400kV Birkhill Wood substation in the East Riding of Yorkshire, in accordance with National Grid ESO’s Transitional Centralised Strategic Network Plan (tCSNP2) published in March 2024.
This project is part of a growing trend of offshore wind developments, as evidenced by RWE’s Nordseecluster project.
Scoping Report and EIA
The submitted scoping report requests a Scoping Opinion to define the topics to be assessed in the project’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). This step is crucial for the submission of a Development Consent Order (DCO) application.
Classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) due to its capacity exceeding 100MW, Dogger Bank D requires a detailed EIA to ensure regulatory compliance and minimize potential environmental impacts.
Project Progress and Commercial Implications
The development of Dogger Bank D would maximize the utilization of the eastern area of the existing Dogger Bank C site, in collaboration with The Crown Estate, the manager of the UK seabed. Upon completion, Dogger Bank would become the world’s largest operational offshore wind farm.
This project presents a significant opportunity for SSE and Equinor to expand their renewable energy portfolios and meet the growing demand for clean energy. Public consultations and stakeholder input will be incorporated to refine the final project proposals.
Shaping the Future of Offshore Wind
The Scoping Opinion and stakeholder feedback will shape the final proposals, ensuring a balanced approach to Dogger Bank’s expansion. This development could strengthen both companies’ positions in the offshore wind market while contributing to the UK’s energy security.