Dogger Bank Wind Farm is building a new operations and maintenance (O&M) base in the UK’s northeast in the Port of Tyne, Newcastle
The Newcastle centre will be constructed and operated in line with the UK Green Building Council’s (UKGBC) net-zero carbon buildings framework.
Two hundred people will be based either at the 3,047m2 O&M base or offshore, to operate and maintain the windfarm. The Newcastle facility will use low-carbon materials to meet the highest energy efficiency classifications. Solar PV panels will be installed for onsite renewable generation, and EV charging points will be available so staff and visitors can travel in low-emissions vehicles.
Dogger Bank windfarm director Steve Wilson said, “With its low-carbon materials, solar panels and EV charging points, we hope this locally designed base will help inspire future developers as the UK continues on its journey to net zero.”
Newcastle-based Ryder Architecture designed the O&M base and the construction project is being managed by Equinor, which has contracted real estate advisor CBRE as the local project manager.
CBRE will work with the project team in material selection, energy modelling and carbon accounting, submitting a final evidence pack for third-party review.
The project has set an internal carbon price (ICP) for the facility aligned with industry best practice. Dogger Bank Wind Farm believes the consideration of the ICP rate and the market cost of associated materials has allowed the design team to make a financial case for selecting materials with best-in-class environmental performance.
Bowmer + Kirkland will serve as principal contractor for the facility. The firm will perform detailed design and build the facility, including office space, a large warehouse to store spare parts, car parking and heavy goods vehicle yard as well as an outside recreational area.
Construction of the Newcastle O&M base is expected to begin in Q3 2021 and end in Q3 2022, ahead of windfarm operations starting in 2023.
Dogger Bank windfarm will be located more than 130 km out to sea, off the northeast coast of England. It is expected to be the biggest offshore windfarm in the world upon completion, helping to generate around 5% of the UK’s electricity.
Dogger Bank windfarm is being built in three phases: Dogger Bank A and B are a joint venture between SSE Renewables (40%), Equinor (40%) and Eni (20%). Dogger Bank C is a joint venture between SSE Renewables (50%) and Equinor (50%). SSE Renewables is leading on the construction of the windfarm and Equinor will operate the windfarm for its lifetime of up to 35 years.
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