Forewind, the consortium comprising energy companies RWE, SSE, Statoil and Statkrat, have started the second and final stage of consultation for its massive Dogger Bank – Creyke Beck offshore wind project.
Dogger Bank Creyke Beck will comprise two offshore windfarms each with a generating capacity of up to 1.2gigawatts (GW).
Based on current plans, total output capability of the huge UK Round Three offshore project will be up to 2.4GW and have a population of up to 600 turbines, depending on the model(s) selected.
The current plan is to use the new-generation, six megawatt machine currently being developed by a number of manufacturers.
Creyke Beck represents nearly 25% of the overall Dogger Bank project, which could eventually reach a power generation capacity of 9GW, ranking it among the largest power stations on the planet.
It would generate around eight terawatt hours (TWh) per annum, or almost enough green energy to power all the homes in the Yorkshire and Humber region every year.
The current consultation . . . it is taking place in the Yorkshire/Humberside area . . . is the culmination of more than three years of environmental impact assessment work including onshore and offshore surveys, consultation and reviews.
The six public events this month will enable stakeholders, in particular the local community living near the proposed cable route, to learn all about the proposed project and respond with comments and opinions.
Dogger Bank is enormous and is projected to cover an area of 8,660sq.km (3,343 square miles . . . which is equivalent to the size of North Yorkshire. Its distance from shore is 125-290km (77-180 miles).
The water depth ranges 18 to 63m (59-206ft) and ranks as one of the shallowest of the Round 3 projects.
Overall, Dogger Bank has the potential for approximately 4GW development capacity in less than 30m water depths and 8GW in less than 35m water depths. The current estimated “agreed target” output is 9GW.
Dogger Bank Creyke Beck A, located in the southern part of Tranche A, is intended to cover an area of 515sq.km and 131km from shore at its closest point.
Dogger Bank Creyke Beck B, located in the western part of Tranche A, is the largest in area with a size of 599sq.km and is also 131km from shore at its closest point.
Creyke Beck A & B will be subject to a single consent and the indicative development programme.