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Energy — renewables & grid
Energy — renewables & gridRenewables & grid (Offshore Wind)

Dogger Bank A offshore wind farm

North Sea, off the Yorkshire coast, UK · Under construction (first power expected 2023, full operation 2024) · Part of overall Dogger Bank Wind Farm £9 billion investment

The judgement call

Account-gated at launch

Pioneering the use of HVDC technology for UK offshore wind, setting a precedent for future large-scale projects. - The sheer scale of the project necessitates innovative logistics and supply chain management. - Experienced delays due to vessel availability and adverse weather, highlighting the complexities of mega-projects in offshore environments.

Key engineering challenges

Installation of the world's most powerful offshore wind turbines (GE Haliade-X 13 MW). - Deployment of HVDC (High Voltage Direct Current) technology for efficient power transmission over long distances. - Managing construction in a challenging North Sea environment, including vessel availability and weather. - Integration of a massive power output into the national grid.

Project facts

Client / owner
Joint venture between SSE Renewables (40%), Equinor (40%), and Vårgrønn (20%)
Lead contractor
N/A (multiple contractors, e.g., GE Renewable Energy for turbines)
Lead designers
N/A
Project type
new build
Scale
1.2 GW (1200 MW) capacity; features GE Haliade-X 13 MW turbines
Disciplines
civil; structural; mechanical; electrical; marine; geotechnical; HVDC
Standards & frameworks
N/A

Sources: Dogger Bank Wind Farm: https://doggerbank.com/ - SSE Renewables: https://www.sserenewables.com/offshore-wind/projects/dogger-bank/ - Imperial College London: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/news/265054/dogger-bank-learning-lessons-from-worlds/