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Co-developers SSE and Equinor establish commercial terms of a proposed Dogger Bank C lease variation to progress Dogger Bank D

SSE and Equinor, co-developers of the proposed Dogger Bank D fourth phase of Dogger Bank Wind Farm, have established commercial terms with The Crown Estate around an amendment to the existing Dogger Bank C seabed lease. This is subject to the outcome of the plan-Level Habitats Regulation Assessment (HRA) that is associated with The Crown Estate’s wider Capacity Improvement Programme.

These preliminary terms mark a new milestone in the delivery of a proposed fourth phase of the world’s largest offshore wind farm, the 3.6GW Dogger Bank Wind Farm currently under construction off the coast of Yorkshire, England, in the North Sea.

Announced in 2023, Dogger Bank D has a potential capacity of up to 2GW of new renewable energy for the UK energy system which would be generated from maximising the capacity of the eastern portion of the Dogger Bank C seabed lease area. The move would make Dogger Bank, the world’s biggest offshore wind farm being built off the UK, even bigger.

The Dogger Bank D project is one of seven offshore wind farm projects in development which were identified for potential increases in generating capacity when The Crown Estate announced the Capacity Improvement Programme in November 2023 to unlock up to 4GW of potential new green electricity production. The capacity increases under consideration are within areas where seabed leasing agreements are already in place.

Before a final decision is taken on the Capacity Improvement Programme, The Crown Estate is required to undertake a plan-Level Habitats Regulation Assessment (HRA) in order to assess the implications of the Programme for protected habitats. The HRA seeks to understand the collective environmental impact of the additional capacity across all seven projects.

The commercial terms established by project shareholders SSE and Equinor with The Crown Estate lay the groundwork to progress Dogger Bank D subject to the satisfactory outcome of the HRA and, if Dogger Bank D is progressed, subject to any additional provision which may need to be made to secure mitigation or compensatory measures in light of the findings of the HRA.

Rob Cussons, Dogger Bank D Project Director at SSE Renewables, said:

“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. It is a move that can unlock the value of more clean energy from the same area of seabed, as we accelerate towards a greener and more secure energy system. This pioneering project is made possible by the joint foresight from shareholders SSE and Equinor along with The Crown Estate to consider an innovative approach to bring forward more clean and secure energy from the available seabed, whilst ensuring that sensitive marine habitats are protected. And in doing so we can make the world’s biggest offshore wind farm even bigger.”

Halfdan Brustad, Equinor’s VP UK Renewables said:

“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, whilst building a competitive UK industry. Following first power, Dogger Bank, the world’s largest offshore wind farm, is a key example of what the offshore wind industry can offer, from security of electricity supply to economic growth and long-term jobs.”

The proposed Dogger Bank D project would connect to the national electricity infrastructure network at National Grid’s planned new 400kV substation at Birkhill Wood in East Riding of Yorkshire.

The project would require a new Development Consent Order to progress into construction. Initial consultations have been held with stakeholders, with further activities being planned for later in 2024.

Dogger Bank Wind Farm was awarded rights in The Crown Estate’s Offshore Wind Leasing Round 3 and is under construction in three phases: A, B and C. Dogger Bank Wind Farm is a joint venture between SSE Renewables (40%), Equinor (40%) and Vårgrønn (20%).

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