The world’s largest offshore wind farm could boost the UK economy by £6.1bn, according to a new economic report.

Dogger Bank wind farm, off the North-east coast, will be made up of 277 turbines when fully complete in 2027. Built in three stages, Dogger Bank A, B and C, it is a joint venture partnership between SSE (40%), Equinor (40%) and Vårgrønn (20%).

The report, written by economic consultants BVG Associates, finds the £6.1bn GDP contribution will be driven by significant investment in UK companies, jobs and skills during the lifecycle of Dogger Bank.

At 3.6GW, Dogger Bank will become the world’s largest offshore wind farm when fully operational and will be capable of generating enough power for around six million UK homes each year. Already, the project is beginning to generate homegrown renewable energy from initial commissioning at its first phase, which is being transmitted along subsea high voltage transmission cables for use by UK consumers. 

The economic impact report was commissioned by Dogger Bank Wind Farm’s equity partners who are currently constructing the offshore wind farm in three 1.2GW phases at adjoining sites in the North Sea more than 130km from the Yorkshire Coast.  

Direct spend with companies in the North-east of England and in the counties of North Yorkshire and East Riding of Yorkshire is expected to total over £bn, with hundreds of jobs supported in these regions. To date this has included jobs in companies such as Jones Bros, Bowmer and Kirkland, Boston Energy and Tekmar.  

With the project beginning to generate from initial commissioning at its first phase, full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs supported across the UK by Dogger Bank are expected to reach 3,600 over 2025. 1,500 of these jobs will be in the North-east and North Yorkshire and East Riding of Yorkshire. 

A significant number of UK jobs will also continue through Dogger Bank’s operational life of at least 35 years, with an average of 1,400 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs expected to be supported over this period, which are predominantly highly skilled. These will also include roles for trainees and apprentices.

Dogger Bank Wind Farm has also committed to investing a further £26 million directly in local communities to enhance science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) education, and to support vital grassroots community initiatives.

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.”

Dogger Bank Wind Farm project director, Olly Cass, added: “People have always been at the heart of everything we do on Dogger Bank Wind Farm. Even from the early days of planning, there was an inherent drive from everyone involved to see what value we could unlock through 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. 

“BVGA’s report also gives us a chance to reflect on important lessons learned, so we can use Dogger Bank as the springboard for future economic growth in the UK in our development of critical energy infrastructure.”

Click here to read the full report – the Economic Impact of Dogger Bank Wind Farm.