RWE and Masdar’s significant Dogger Bank South offshore wind facility has advanced further through the regulatory procedure with the conclusion of the assessment stage.
Commencing in January, the assessment phase involves inspectors posing inquiries regarding the project’s environmental, socio-economic, and technical characteristics, with the developers supplying responses.
As per the UK Planning Inspectorate, the initiative has progressed to the recommendation phase, wherein the inspectors will issue a report containing suggestions regarding the project to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.
This is expected to be finalized by 11 October this year, with a decision on consent anticipated within the subsequent six months.
RWE’s director of offshore wind development for the UK & Ireland, Danielle Lane, stated: “In addition to providing clean electricity to millions of households, these projects hold the potential to deliver a substantial economic uplift, especially to the north-east of England, fostering thousands of jobs during development and construction.
“They also illustrate RWE’s ongoing dedication to collaborating closely with partners such as Masdar to support the government’s objective of creating a sustainable, energy-secure future for the UK.”
The 3GW Dogger Bank South will be situated approximately 62 miles (100 km) off the coast of England, northeast of Scarborough and near the Humber, a significant hub for offshore wind in the North Sea.
The UAE-based firm Masdar acquired a 49% interest in the £11 billion initiative in 2024, with RWE retaining operational control along with its 51% share.
Dogger Bank South will be developed in two distinct phases, East and West, each possessing a capacity of 1.5GW and spanning 190 sq miles (500 sq km).
Construction was previously targeted for late 2025, with the initial 800MW of power expected to be operational in 2029. Full commissioning of the two sites should be achieved by the end of 2031.
Masdar’s director for global offshore wind, Husain Al Meer, added: “Today’s announcement brings us one step closer to the crucial green signal for the DBS projects, which are set to be instrumental in the UK’s energy transformation.
“Masdar has been an essential partner in the UK’s clean energy journey, and these projects will help power millions of homes, promote sustainable economic growth, and create essential jobs.”
