An independent report by BVG Associates has found that Dogger Bank Wind Farm, which will become the world’s largest offshore wind project once fully operational, is set to add £6.1 billion to the UK economy during its lifetime.
The study, commissioned by the project’s equity partners SSE, Equinor and Vårgrønn, outlines the long-term economic benefits of the 3.6 GW development currently under construction in the North Sea.
When complete, Dogger Bank will generate enough clean electricity to power around six million UK homes each year. The project has already begun generating its first power from its initial 1.2 GW phase.
The report estimates that direct spending in the North East, North Yorkshire, and East Riding of Yorkshire will exceed £3 billion, supporting hundreds of local jobs. Across the UK, Dogger Bank is expected to support 3,600 full-time equivalent jobs in 2025, including 1,500 in the North East and Yorkshire. Over its operational life of at least 35 years, the project will sustain an average of 1,400 highly skilled jobs, including apprentices and trainees.
Olly Cass, Project Director for Dogger Bank Wind Farm, said: “People have always been at the heart of everything we do on Dogger Bank Wind Farm. Even from the earliest days of planning, there was an inherent drive among everyone involved to unlock value from this extraordinary engineering masterpiece.
“Offshore wind is a global sector with a global supply chain, but this report proves we have the skills, expertise, and desire in the UK to fuel the energy transition and create economic value that’s far-reaching. The ripple effects of our UK spend, generating £6.1 billion for the UK economy, can be felt from the Highlands of Scotland, down to the south coast, and plenty more in between.”
The 3.6 GW project is being built in three 1.2 GW phases at adjoining sites more than 130 kilometres off the Yorkshire coast. Companies involved include Jones Bros, Bowmer & Kirkland, Boston Energy, and Tekmar.
James Lockwood, Senior Contracts Manager at Jones Bros, said: “As a company, we are always eager to give our apprentices and trainees valuable on-site experience, and as the world’s largest offshore wind farm, Dogger Bank is a hugely significant project to be a part of. The numbers speak for themselves, with five higher apprentices and three trainee engineer apprentices working on Dogger Bank, whilst we also recruited 28 ground worker trainees and 18 plant operative apprentices.”
Dogger Bank has also committed £26 million to local communities, funding STEM education initiatives and grassroots projects, including 123 scholarship grants awarded to students in East Riding of Yorkshire, Redcar and Cleveland, and South Tyneside.
Energy Minister Michael Shanks said:
“Clean, homegrown power is the right choice for families and industry right across the country. Wind power is cheaper, cleaner, and more secure than new gas – helping us bring down bills for good. As shown by this independent report, offshore wind projects such as Dogger Bank will generate billions for the UK, while also delivering thousands of good jobs – showing once again that clean power is the economic opportunity of the 21st century.”
BVG Associates’ Director of Economics, Alun Roberts, added: “Our independent analysis shows the significant impact of the Dogger Bank Wind Farm. Our economic model shows that the boost to the economy and jobs is sustained throughout the life of the project. This is vital for sustaining political support for offshore wind.”
Dogger Bank Wind Farm is jointly owned by SSE, Equinor, and Vårgrønn. Once all three phases are operational, the project will provide renewable power to around six million UK homes.
