Consultation begins for Dogger Bank wind farm expansion off East Yorkshire

A public consultation has commenced regarding the expansion of the Dogger Bank wind farm, located 80 miles off the East Yorkshire coast. This site, which is currently the largest offshore wind farm in the world, spans 646 square miles and is being developed in three phases, A, B, and C, with a total capacity of 3.6GW. The project aims to provide enough electricity to power approximately four-and-a-half million homes upon completion. SSE Renewables, in partnership with Equinor and Vårgrønn, is spearheading this initiative, which began construction in July 2022, with the first power generation occurring in late 2023. The expansion plans include a new phase, Dogger Bank D, which could add an additional 2GW of power capacity. To gather public input, eight open days are scheduled throughout September at various venues across the region, allowing residents and businesses to express their views on the proposed developments. Feedback can also be submitted online via the Dogger Bank website. The first three phases of the wind farm will feature 630 turbines, each standing 623 feet tall, manufactured by Siemens in Hull. The turbines are designed to be highly efficient, with each rotation capable of generating enough energy to power an average British home for two days. The electricity generated will be transmitted through undersea cables that come ashore near Ulrome, followed by 19 miles of underground cables leading to a site near Cottingham, where it will connect to the National Grid. This expansion is part of a broader effort to enhance renewable energy production in the UK, contributing to the country's goals for sustainable energy and reducing carbon emissions. The consultation process is crucial for ensuring community engagement and addressing any concerns related to the project.