Green hydrogen an option as Equinor, SSE assess potential fourth phase of Dogger Bank

The first would see power from Dogger Bank D connecting to a grid connection in Lincolnshire, where National Grid is installing new network infrastructure in response to the UK Government’s ambitions to generate 50 GW of offshore wind by 2030.

The second option being considered by the developers is the use of electricity produced by offshore wind to generate green hydrogen at a dedicated electrolysis facility in the Humber region.

The facility, if developed, could become the UK’s largest green hydrogen project and, subject to supportive government policy and supply chain alignment, could contribute to the UK Government’s green hydrogen ambitions.

Equinor vice president Dogger Bank Halfdan Brustad said, “Optimising the Dogger Bank C lease area with an additional phase, Dogger Bank D, is in line with Equinor’s strategy to further develop offshore wind projects in clusters such as the North Sea.

“We are pleased to continue our collaboration with our partners SSE Renewables, and work together to mature the technical scoping of this project. Both the grid offtake and green hydrogen production options from Dogger Bank D would contribute to the UK’s net-zero ambitions and emphasise Equinor’s ability to deliver a broad energy offering to the UK.”

SSE Renewables director of offshore wind Paul Cooley said, “At SSE Renewables we are focused on delivering and building a homegrown energy system for the UK that is cheaper, cleaner and more secure. That’s why we’re taking action to develop more of the new offshore wind energy needed to radically increase renewable generation.

“We are already building the world’s largest offshore windfarm at Dogger Bank, and now with our established partners Equinor, we’re delighted to unveil plans to develop a potential fourth phase of the project, Dogger Bank D. We’re looking forward to working together to bring this project to the attention of key stakeholders.”

Dogger Bank Wind Farm project director Oliver Cass said, “We’re in the early stages of looking at the technical feasibility of the grid and also hydrogen options for a potential fourth phase of Dogger Bank and we’re looking forward to working with local, national and regional stakeholders over the coming months as we progress the project.  

“Not only is this project a great opportunity to generate more affordable green energy for UK consumers and increase the resilience of our energy networks, it would also build on the economic and social legacy started by the first phases of the project which have created and supported thousands of UK jobs and resulted in more than £1M being invested in coastal communities.”

Equinor and SSE Renewables each own 50% of the proposed Dogger Bank D development.

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