Designs have been unveiled for the operations base for the world’s largest offshore wind farm, which is set to be built on the banks of the Tyne.
The base for the Dogger Bank Wind Farm will be built at the Port of Tyne, subject to planning approval. SSE Renewables will build the wind farm and Equinor will operate it over its 35-year lifespan.
The operation and maintenance base will create more than 200 direct jobs in the North East, including onshore jobs such as planners, engineers and management, while other roles such as wind turbine technicians will be based at the wind farm itself, living for two weeks at a time on a vessel around 80 miles out to sea.
The main recruitment activity is expected to start next year.
Newcastle architectural practice Ryder Architecture has designed the base to be built using environmentally friendly materials. EV chargers, solar panels and efficient heating systems have been included to ensure the facility has a low carbon impact.
As well as offices for those based onshore and a warehouse to store spare parts for the wind farm, the design includes development of a new quay suitable for the state-of-the-art Service Operations Vessels (SOVs) that provide accommodation, and transport for technicians to and from the wind farm. The vessels will come to the port approximately twice a month to get supplies and change crews.
Halfdan Brustad, vice president for Dogger Bank at Equinor, said: “Dogger Bank is set to have a huge impact in the North East of England. On top of the hundreds of direct jobs the project creates, opportunities from the project will reach many others in the region from industry suppliers to catering companies.
“Over the last month investment for a new manufacturing facility in Teesside has been announced, set to provide the 107m turbine blades to Dogger Bank, and the contract for our three operations vessels has been awarded to a Scottish company, creating further jobs in Scotland and the North East.
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“We specifically chose a local firm, Ryder, to work closely with in designing this flagship facility, and have ensured it is both environmentally sustainable and future-fit in order to attract the best local talents to join our team.”
Francesca Harrison, project architect at Ryder said, “The design proposals reflect Dogger Bank’s drive for a more sustainable future. They have been designed to achieve net zero carbon and provide one of the best workspaces in the north east helping Dogger Bank to attract the best talent.”
Port of Tyne chief executive Matt Beeton said: “The site is well under way at the Port of Tyne with ground and quayside improvements taking place. The Port and the region are excited to see the start of Equinor’s new facility which will not only provide much needed jobs but also start our journey to supporting the biggest offshore wind farm in the world.”
The plans for the operations base have been submitted to South Tyneside Council for planning permission. A construction contractor will be appointed in the coming months.