Equinor makes net zero pledge over new Port of Tyne Dogger Bank operations base

Bosses behind a major new wind farm support hub have pledged it will be built to net zero carbon standards.

Equinor says the operations and maintenance base, which will be based at the Port of Tyne, will comply with the UK Green Building Council’s Net Zero Carbon Buildings Framework.

Work on the site is expected to start later this year, with completion earmarked for 2022 ahead of the wind farm producing power in 2023.

Around 200 people will be based at the support hub or offshore to support the wind farm, which officials say will be the largest offshore wind farm in the world and have capacity to generate around five per cent of the UK’s electricity.

The operations and maintenance site has been designed by Newcastle’s Ryder Architecture, with global real estate advisor CBRE working as local project manager.

Bowmer+Kirkland is principal contractor and will manage the work from its Sunderland offices.

Halfdan Brustad, vice president for Dogger Bank at Equinor, said: “The project will make a real contribution to decarbonising our electricity system, and help the UK meet its net zero targets.

“The sustainable ethos of the project runs right through to operations.

“We are delighted that we will work with CBRE and Bowmer+Kirkland on this innovative building, that has been designed by Ryder with sustainability at the forefront.”

Bosses say the base will use low carbon materials and meet the highest energy efficiency classifications, with solar PV panels due to be installed for on-site renewable generation, and electric vehicle charging points available for staff and visitors.

Bowmer+Kirkland has been appointed to perform detailed design and build of the facility, which will include office space, a large warehouse to store spare parts, car parking and a HGV yard, as well as an outside recreational area.

Liz Wilson, project manager, said: “It is fantastic that we have been successful in our bid for this high-profile project and that we are able to provide support and sustainability to our region and local supply chain, especially after the last 18 months.”

Dogger Bank, which will be located more than 130 km off the North East coast, is being built in three phases: Dogger Bank A, B and C.

Dogger Bank A and B are a joint venture between SSE Renewables, Equinor and Eni.

Dogger Bank C is a joint venture between SSE Renewables and Equinor.

SSE Renewables is leading on the construction of the wind farm and Equinor will operate the wind farm for its lifetime of up to 35 years.